/Who knew LSU quarterback sensation Joe Burrow has strong Mississippi ties

Who knew LSU quarterback sensation Joe Burrow has strong Mississippi ties

Jimmy’s moves all those years ago weren’t much of an issue nationally. However, his hometown fans in Amory (Mississippi) were stunned by the news. Jimmy transferred from Mississippi State where his dad, James, was a basketball player, to Ole Miss in order to play baseball and football. Jimmy Burrow stated, “I grew to be a big Mississippi State fan and hate Ole Miss.” “Nobody could believe that I was going to Ole Miss,” he said. He didn’t stay long. Jimmy Burrow transferred to Nebraska from Ole Miss, where he would be a star defensive back for Tom Osborne’s Cornhuskers. This was before a career in the NFL, the Canadian Football League, and a 37-year coaching career at college. He retired last spring. Jimmy Burrow, most recently the Ohio University defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, decided to quit coaching in order to be there for his son Joe’s senior season at LSU. Jimmy will be at Scott Field Saturday in the visitor’s section cheering on the second-ranked Tigers against his childhood team. Jimmy Burrow, speaking over the telephone Tuesday morning from Amory from his parents, laughed at some of the fond memories. He said, “Back then there was no transfer portal.” He said, “I was way ahead my time.” Jimmy Burrow was a former three-sport star at Amory in Amory’s old Little Ten Conference. As a senior, he was playing quarterback and was being sought after by Ole Miss and State. However, a broken arm forced him to end his season. He had planned to attend State, and enrolled in part-time summer school. However, Ole Miss kept him interested and offered him the chance to play baseball and football. He was the Ole Miss freshman defensive back and he was excited to continue his college career as a Rebel. Jimmy Walden, his high school coach, offered him a scholarship to Nebraska. Jimmy Burrow visited Billy Kinard, the then-Ole Miss head football coach, to tell him about his interest in Nebraska and request a scholarship at Ole Miss. Kinard refused to offer one, and Jimmy was transferred. Funny story: Jimmy Burrow was a key tackle during a goal-line stand in the 1974 Sugar Bowl. This helped the Cornhuskers beat Florida 13-10. Jimmy said to Kinard in a TV interview after the game that he wished him “Happy New Year from Sugar Bowl”. *** In 2018, Joe Burrow was Joe Burrow’s first season at LSU. During this time, Jimmy Burrow coached the defense at Ohio under Frank Solich, while Robin traveled each week to see LSU play. Jimmy was able to attend the Fiesta Bowl, where Joe threw four touchdowns and gained 394 yards. This was a 40-32 win for LSU over UCF. Jimmy realized what he had missed. He took his wife and went tail-gating across the street to the stadium. Then he sat down in the stands along with all the LSU parents. Jimmy Burrow stated, “That was when it occurred to me that I would do what I did eventually.” Frank (Solich), what was I thinking of doing. It’s not something I thought he believed I would do. My wife and I discussed it in February, and she agreed to it. Joe’s senior years were too important to me. I wanted to be there, and share it with Joe. The coaching is something I miss, but I won’t lie. It’s something I absolutely love. This was the first time in 50 years that I hadn’t been on the field, either as a player or coach. “But when Joe converted the Texas third and 17 play, it was the first time in 50 years that I wasn’t there as a player or coach. I couldn’t have imagined myself being anywhere else.” Jimmy Burrow also attended the Manning Passing Academy where he and Archie Manning became close friends. They could chat about their sons and the anguish it can cause. Jimmy Burrow stated, “It’s harder to watch your son from the stands than it is playing on the field or coaching.” This season has brought more joy than it has brought us angst. Joe Burrow is fourth in national completions with 148. He also ranks second in passing yards (2157) and touchdowns (25) as well as first with his 79.6 completion rate. Jimmy Burrow stated that Joe always seemed to be confident about his sport. He had great natural talent in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a leader. He was a basketball player on the AAU circuit and many people believed that was his future.” Joe Burrow now has his future. Archie Manning believes Jimmy Burrow’s child has a bright future in the NFL. Archie Manning stated, “He’s a strong man who plays with a lot confidence.” “He’s very accurate and really smart. He’ll be playing in the NFL, and I have no doubt about that.” *** Jimmy Burrow is enjoying more retirement benefits. This week he is in Amory, Florida with his parents. This is his longest stay in Amory since leaving for Lincoln, Nebraska all those years ago. His father, an ex-MSU basketball player, beat him at golf Monday. Jimmy Burrow, a former Bulldog point guard, said that James is 89 and shoots at his age every time. “I’m not going to tell you what shot.” Jimmy Burrow said of James, the former Bulldog point guard.