Ole Miss to honor Moores, Sweet during Georgia game

The Ole Miss Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will recognize Karen and Bruce Moore and former Rebels player Michael W. Sweet Sr. on Nov. 7, when Ole Miss hosts Georgia at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

The Moores, who live in Nashville, will receive the chapter’s Contribution to Amateur Football Award. The Distinguished American Award will go to Sweet, a Vicksburg native who played running back and wide receiver at Ole Miss from 1974 through 1976.

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter, National Football Foundation chief operating officer Matt Sign and chapter president Richard Noble will take part in the presentation. Noble said the honors recognize the Moores’ support across the university and Sweet’s community service through Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson.

The family’s Ole Miss giving exceeds $8 million. Their athletics support includes a $1.2 million gift to the Vaught Society in 2022 and another $250,000 two years later. Gate 31 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was named for the couple in recognition of the second gift.

Sweet was among the first African American athletes to play football at Ole Miss. As a true freshman, he earned All-SEC freshman recognition. He started at running back during the next two seasons before a second knee surgery sidelined him for the 1977 season.

Across three seasons, Sweet rushed for 1,376 yards and eight touchdowns. His receiving totals were 29 catches for 303 yards and two scores, with another 685 yards on 28 kickoff returns. Sweet’s 16-yard touchdown catch from Tim Ellis on fourth down with 42 seconds remaining gave Ole Miss a 17-13 victory over LSU in 1975.

Sweet has worked at Gateway in Jackson since 2004 and serves as director of ministries. His responsibilities include chapel services, spiritual counseling, outreach, mentoring, cold-weather shelters and holiday assistance.

Why it matters

The awards connect Ole Miss football history, athletics support and community service during a conference home game. Sweet’s recognition also honors one of the first African American athletes to play football for the Rebels.

What to watch next

Ole Miss hosts Georgia on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC, with the honorees scheduled for an on-field presentation.