About Charity Bowl
During the Ole Miss Rebels’ 1989 Homecoming game against the Vanderbilt Commodores, Ole Miss defensive back Chucky Mullins plunged head-first into a tackle of Vanderbilt fullback Brad Gaines after a short pass attempt. The impact shattered four vertebrae in Mullins’ cervical spine, immediately paralyzing him. In the face of this challenge, Mullins inspired the nation with his resilience and positivity. In efforts to support Mullins recovery, active members of Sigma Nu at Ole Miss founded Charity Bowl in 1990. Tragically, Chucky Mullins passed away on May 6, 1991 due to complications from the injury.
Each year, in honor of Chucky Mullins, Sigma Nu selects an individual living with paralysis as the primary recipient of Charity Bowl. In recent years, Charity Bowl has also benefited the Manning Foundation and the William Magee Center for Wellness Education.
SEC Storied - It's Time
Charity Bowl is a multi-faceted event organized by active members of Sigma Nu at the University of Mississippi. Hosted in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Charity Bowl features a full-contact football game between active members of Sigma Nu and another fraternity. In addition to the game, Charity Bowl presents a pre-kickoff sorority cheer competition and a homecoming style Charity Bowl Court.
Charity Bowl is primarily supported through financial donations and Charity Bowl program advertisement sales. Since its inception, Charity Bowl has raised over $3 million for its recipients.
2024 Charity Bowl Recipient - CHris “Creek” Mitchell
Chris Mitchell, a former Ole Miss football standout, hails from the town of Town Creek, Alabama, where he was born and raised. His legacy on the football field was defined by a remarkable play known as "The Hit." This game-saving moment occurred during a pivotal game against Arkansas in 1990, a play that has forever etched his name in the annals of Ole Miss football history. While "The Hit" stands as an unforgettable highlight of his career, it is important to note that Chris Mitchell's contributions on the field extended far beyond this singular moment. He was a player who consistently displayed excellence and left an indelible mark on the game.
Chris "Creek" Mitchell was an outstanding three-sport athlete during his high school years at the Powerhouse 2A Hazelwood High School in Town Creek, Alabama. He excelled in football, basketball, and track, and he and his teammates achieved the remarkable feat of becoming Alabama State Champions in all three of these sports.
Notably, Chris formed a close friendship with Chucky Mullins, another standout athlete at Ole Miss who played alongside him as a defensive back for the Rebels. Their connection went beyond the football field, with the two often making the journey between Ole Miss and their North Alabama hometowns together.
Chris Mitchell's remarkable character and dedication to the game earned him the honor of being the first recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award. Alongside this recognition came the privilege of wearing the esteemed No. 38 jersey, an honor bestowed upon the award's recipient each year. This prestigious award symbolizes hard work, unwavering character, a selfless approach to teamwork, leadership qualities, and, above all, the embodiment of courage.
Fast forward three decades, and Chris has experienced a tragic twist of fate. In 2020, he sustained life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, spine, and legs, mirroring the scope and severity of Chucky's injury. Today, Chris's life has taken a profoundly different turn as he grapples with the challenges of his injuries. He currently resides in an assisted living home, facing the daunting reality of life without the use of his legs. Despite these adversities, his unwavering courage and spirit continue to inspire all who know his story.
SUPPORT Charity Bowl
We hope that you will support Chris Mitchell as the recipient of the 2024 Sigma Nu Charity Bowl.
Funding is raised for Charity Bowl primarily through Charity Bowl program advertisement sales and financial donations.
You can support Charity Bowl through our donate page or by mailing in a printable form.