Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues is awarded with the highest honor within the program

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin announced senior defensive tackle JJ Pegues was the winner of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award on Thursday.

The Chucky Mullins Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an Ole Miss player. Mullins, who famously wore the No. 38, passed away in 1991 just under two years after his football career came to an end. Mullins was left paralyzed after making a tackle against Vanderbilt in the 1989 Homecoming game, but will always be remembered for the way he lived.

Pegues is the 34th recipient in the 35 years the award has been around. The winner is honored with Mullins' No. 38 jersey, which Pegues plans to wear at every home game this fall. Pegues will continue to wear his No. 89 jersey on the road, but will have a 38 patch stitched into his uniform.

"It's a blessing," Pegues told olemisssports.com . "Growing up here, being five and six (years old) and hearing about the award, and my family always spoke highly of the award. I knew once I got back and knew more about this award, I just really wanted to be that guy to represent him and his legacy."

Pegues is the perfect choice for the award. He has been a leader on and off the field ever since transferring over from Auburn in 2022. Pegues is well-respected in the locker room and his play on the field has also raised eyebrows across the SEC. Pegues is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he racked up 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and four passes defensed.

"At the end of the day, you never know when it might be your last football play," Pegues continued. "For me, just the guy I am, just trying to give back to the younger generation and just try to be the light of Ole Miss. That's the main reason I really wanted this award, and I appreciate it."

Ole Miss has been blessed with a strong group of leaders entering one of the most highly anticipated seasons in program history. Pegues is one of many reasons why Rebels fans can't wait for the season opener against Furman set for Aug. 31 to arrive.