McAllister Returns to Oxford: Ole Miss Legend Deuce McAllister Joins Football Program in Landmark Role
OXFORD, Miss. — In a move that has electrified Rebel Nation and reverberated across the SEC, former Ole Miss standout and Super Bowl XLIV champion Deuce McAllister is officially returning to the University of Mississippi—this time, not as a player, nor as a color commentator, but in a newly created position designed to foster alumni engagement, player development, and program-wide leadership.
The university announced Thursday morning that McAllister will serve as Senior Advisor of Football Culture and Alumni Relations, a hybrid role crafted specifically to capitalize on his deep ties to Ole Miss, his knowledge of the game, and his national stature as both a collegiate and professional icon. His return marks a monumental step for the Rebels as they look to build a more unified and legacy-driven football culture heading into the 2025 season.
> “Ole Miss shaped me into the man I am today,” McAllister said in a press release. “To come back and pour into the next generation—on and off the field—is a blessing. This isn’t just about football; it’s about building young men, reconnecting our proud alumni base, and pushing this program to new heights.”
McAllister, a Mississippi native, was a record-breaking running back at Ole Miss from 1997 to 2000. He still holds numerous school records, including career touchdowns (41) and all-purpose yards (4,889). Drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 2001, he quickly became one of the NFL’s premier running backs before injuries cut his career short. Nevertheless, he played a critical role in the Saints’ 2009 Super Bowl run and earned a ring for his leadership and presence in the locker room.
Since retiring from the NFL, McAllister has remained a visible figure in football, most notably as a color commentator for the Ole Miss Sports Network and New Orleans Saints Radio. But according to athletic director Keith Carter, McAllister’s greatest value has always been his connection to the Ole Miss community and his unwavering commitment to mentorship.
> “Deuce is more than a football legend—he’s a symbol of what it means to be an Ole Miss Rebel,” Carter said. “His ability to connect with players, alumni, and fans is unmatched. This new role is about building bridges—between generations, between the past and the future.”
Head Coach Lane Kiffin also praised the move, noting that McAllister will play a critical behind-the-scenes role with current players and recruits. From motivational talks to one-on-one mentorship sessions, McAllister will be embedded in the program’s fabric.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to express excitement and pride over his return. For a program often defined by tradition, the addition of McAllister injects fresh energy rooted in historic greatness.
As Ole Miss eyes another strong season in the SEC, the return of one of its all-time greats sends a clear message: the Rebels are not only building for the future—they’re bringing the past with them.
