/Mother’s Day It’s huge for Wesley Walls

Mother’s Day It’s huge for Wesley Walls

Wesley, a former Ole Miss football star and NFL football player, was present in the room when his phone rang. It was a voice call and Wesley did not recognize the number. Wesley recalled last week that he answered the call. “Normally, I don’t answer when it’s not my number but for some reason, I answered that one.” He was soon glad that he did. David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, called to inform him that Wesley had been selected for induction into the Hall of Honor. Tepper called Wesley Walls to inform him that Wesley had been inducted into the Panthers’ Hall of Honor. Wesley, Steve Smith, Jake Delhomme, and Jordan Gross will be joining the late, great Sam Mills in Carolina’s Hall of Honor. Walls stated, “It was an exciting news in a otherwise difficult time.” “My mind was all over that day, but that call was a welcome call, and one I will never forget.” Tepper then asked Walls to refrain from telling anyone else for the next month. Walls replied, “I won’t tell anyone but my mother,” *** In order to understand why the news was so significant at that time, it is important to understand the relationship between Wesley Walls’ mother and her son. Wesley spoke out earlier this week, saying that his mother was his biggest supporter and toughest critic throughout my athletic career. You hear a lot about Little League daddies, but she was also a Little League mama. She supported me completely, don’t get it wrong. “She supported me fully, don’t get me wrong. Wesley stated that she made sure that I attended every Little League game, practice, junior high and high school game no matter how busy she was. She made sure that I had healthy and good food when I returned home. Betty Walls always gave me a hug whenever I needed it. Although he showed potential in many major sports, it quickly became clear that he was meant for football. In high school, he was a quarterback. However, he switched to Ole Miss as a defensive end and linebacker. Wesley excelled in all of his activities and Ole Miss fans will be delighted to hear this account from Wesley. Wesley stated, “I committed early for Alabama.” After watching me play, Ken Donahue offered me the scholarship and said that it had one condition. I was forced to cancel all my previous trips and commit immediately. It was all I thought about. I said yes, and Wesley went to his mom, hoping she would be very excited. Wesley claims that his mama tried to excite him, but he felt disappointed. An uncle called Wesley to confirm his feelings. He said that Betty Walls wasn’t considering Ole Miss, and that Betty Walls was disappointed. Wesley stated, “So when Coach Ray Perkins came to Alabama on my visit,” Wesley added. He did. He loved it all. He signed with the Rebels after committing to Ole Miss. He told his mother. Wesley stated, “There was no doubt that she was extremely excited.” Wesley informed his mother weeks later that he was going to Ole Miss summer school so he could be ready to play as a freshman. She asked, “Do you really believe that you are good enough to be a freshman?” Wesley said, “That was kind of hurtful at the time.” Now, I realize she was trying to motivate me. It worked.” That was the end of College Football Hall of Fame history. For the Rebels, he played linebacker, tight end, and defensive end. Sometimes, he even started on offense and defense at the same time. As a senior, he was All American and went on to a 15 year NFL career where he was five-times an All Pro. He played for the 49ers and the Saints as well as the Panthers and the Packers. His best years (1996-2002), were spent with the Panthers. He was a catcher of 450 NFL passes, with 54 touchdowns. He will be remembered for being one of the most outstanding red zone receivers in all of sports history. Let’s return to the March Baptist Memorial hospital room where Wesley just finished his Hall of Honor call. The mother asked her son “Who is that?” He answered, explaining who he was and what the call was about. The mother inquired, “The Hall of Honor? What’s it?” The son replied, “It’s kind of like a Hall of Fame.” “It means that my name will be displayed on the stadium just like Sam Mills.” His mother, who is often the most loyal fan and honest critic, opened her eyes to see the expressions of her son. She said, “That’s great.” “You deserve it.”