Family, coaches gather to remember MJ Daniels, Southern Miss football player who was killed

LUCEDALE ― The bleachers at George County High School’s gymnasium were filled with people, some wearing Southern Miss black and gold, others with MJ Daniels’ name on their backs.

They gathered to remember the life of Daniels, a Golden Eagles defensive back who was shot and killed at 21 in Hattiesburg on June 11.

During the funeral ceremony at Daniels’ former high school, attendees celebrated his life with music and storytelling. They shared memories of his football career, his love for hunting and fishing, and his ability to light up any room.

“All the people in here is a reflection of the 21 good years he gave us,” the Rev. Jaleel Dantzler told the crowd.

Dantzler and several other speakers paid tribute to Daniels’ life. The lineup included Southern Miss coach Will Hall, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, George County coach James Ray, former Ole Miss and Mississippi State assistant Terrell Buckley, Southern Miss cornerbacks coach Dwike Wilson, George County Principal Sid Taylor, Southern Miss team chaplain Mitch Williams, senior pastor Jessie J. Benn, and the Rev. Rondel Sinclair Jr.

The coaches shared how their initial connection with Daniels was through football, but they came to admire his personality and character. They emphasized his infectious smile and his ability to make a positive impact on others.

“When you’re done, what’s your legacy?” Hall said. “Can you fill up a gym?

“Lucedale is a better place because of MJ Daniels. Southern Miss is a better place because of MJ Daniels. Those young men right there are better because of MJ Daniels. That’s real wealth.”

The young men mentioned by Hall were members of the Southern Miss football team, who traveled by bus from Hattiesburg to attend the service. Prior to joining the Golden Eagles for the 2023 season, Daniels spent two years at Ole Miss. Among those present at the service were Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart, safety Trey Washington, and the coordinator of recruiting strategy, Kelvin Bolden.

“MJ had an infectious energy,” Kiffin said. “. . . He was always so enthusiastic, full of life.”

Taylor recounted a morning from years ago when Daniels, still in high school, spontaneously called him just to check in. Ray reflected on their shared fishing trips and the yearly hunting competition they had, trying to outdo each other in bagging the biggest buck.

Williams, the chaplain for the USM team, recounted a discussion he had with Daniels in which Daniels revealed his desire to serve as a positive role model for the community of Lucedale.

Williams stated that the crowded gym, with chairs filling the court and only a few spots remaining in the bleachers, was proof that Daniels had accomplished his goal.