Roy Lee “Chucky” Mullins’ jersey hangs in the Starnes Athletic Training Center.
When someone mentions the name “Chucky Mullins,” I think of his legacy and feel a sense of pride to be associated with this university. Roy Lee “Chucky” Mullins was a cornerback for the Rebel football team in late October 1989 when he suffered a debilitating injury during a game against Vanderbilt. The injury left him paralyzed and Chucky died less than two years later due to a pulmonary embolism. While I can’t speak for every member of the Ole Miss community, I feel it’s safe to say that Chucky is revered as much as, if not more than, Archie and Eli Manning and Johnny Vaught. Each spring, Chucky’s retired jersey number 38 is presented to the recipient of the annual Chucky Mullins Courage Award. You can still find children running through the Grove on a game day sporting a red jersey with the name “Mullins” on the back. Twenty-five years after the injury, he’s still a hero.
Tonight, every member of the Ole Miss family should tune their televisions to the SEC Network and watch the premiere of “It’s Time,” the new documentary detailing the relationship between Chucky and Brad Gaines, the Vanderbilt player he tackled on that fateful afternoon in 1989. After watching the trailer, I can’t wait to see it. It’s actually the second documentary about the life and legacy that Chucky left, and the first one (directed by fellow Ole Miss staffer Micah Ginn) is also worth a watch.
Chucky and Brad’s story is one that transcends rivalries, wins and losses. I’ll be watching at 7 p.m. and I hope you will, too.