LORMAN, Miss. – It is our pleasure to introduce a new initiative from the Alcorn State University Department of Athletics — a program designed to celebrate and honor the incredible legacy of our former student-athletes.
Each month, we will highlight two former Braves who not only excelled in competition during their time at Alcorn, but who have also gone on to achieve significant success in their professional careers and continue to represent the values and spirit of our university. These stories will be featured prominently on our official athletics website and shared with the Alcorn family to inspire current student-athletes, energize our alumni base, and strengthen our proud athletic tradition.
To ensure we recognize the very best of our legacy, nominations will be accepted only through your local alumni chapters — chapters of which you are a member. This process will help us keep the connection strong between our alumni network and the athletic department, while ensuring we hear from those who know these individuals best. This program is more than recognition — it's a reminder of the lifelong impact Alcorn State University has on those who wear the purple and gold, both on and off the field.
Our first two honorees are Jimmie Giles Jr and Rod Williams.
Jimmie Giles Jr.
From Alcorn Legend to NFL Standout
Long before the bright lights of the NFL, Jimmie Giles Jr. was a quiet but determined young man from Greenville, Mississippi. Growing up during a time of great social change, Giles found purpose on the football field—a path that would take him from the heart of the Delta to national stardom as one of the greatest tight ends of his era.
Giles arrived at Alcorn State University in the early 1970s, bringing elite athleticism to both the football and baseball programs. On the gridiron, under legendary head coach Marino Casem, Giles became a key piece of one of the most dominant teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and sure hands, he thrived as both a punishing blocker and deep-ball threat. While complete statistics from the era are limited, his presence was felt every Saturday—enough to capture the attention of NFL scouts across the country.
The Houston Oilers selected Giles in the third round of the 1977 NFL Draft, but his career truly took off following a trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978.
Over the next nine seasons in Tampa Bay, Giles became one of the league's most feared tight ends. He earned four Pro Bowl selections (1980, 1981, 1982, 1985) and served as a favorite target of fellow Alcorn great Doug Williams. Together, they helped lead the Buccaneers to their first playoff appearances, including a trip to the 1979 NFC Championship Game.
Giles's most productive year came in 1985 when he posted 43 receptions for 673 yards and eight touchdowns, earning Buccaneers MVP honors.
Giles finished his NFL career with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 1989. He recorded 350 receptions, 5,084 receiving yards, and 41 touchdowns—remarkable numbers in an era when tight ends were often viewed primarily as blockers. In 2011, his contributions were honored with induction into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor.
At Alcorn State, Giles remains celebrated for his professionalism, humility, and the trailblazing role he played in elevating the visibility of athletes from HBCUs. His journey from small-town Mississippi to NFL stardom continues to inspire Braves student-athletes and alumni across the nation.
Roderick Williams
From Alcorn to the Grey Cup
Alcorn State University proudly celebrates the remarkable career of Roderick Williams, whose journey from the gridiron at Jack Spinks–Marino Casem Stadium to professional football glory across North America reflects the Braves' tradition of hard work, perseverance, and excellence.
Born on May 27, 1987, Williams made his mark early as a fierce defensive back. Over four standout seasons at Alcorn State, the cornerback anchored the Braves' secondary, peaking in his junior year with 66 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and an interception. His consistent play earned him All-SWAC honors as both a junior and senior, and he capped his collegiate career as an All-American, cementing his reputation as one of the conference's premier defensive talents.
Williams' next chapter began in June 2010 with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. In his rookie season, he appeared in 12 games with six starts, showing the discipline and field vision that had defined his Alcorn days. By 2011, he was a West Division All-Star, tallying 44 tackles and six interceptions. The following year, he started 17 games, becoming a cornerstone of Edmonton's defense.
In 2013, Williams signed with the Minnesota Vikings, fulfilling a dream to reach the NFL. While his time there was brief, it was a testament to his ability to compete at the sport's highest level. He returned to the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, achieving the ultimate prize—a Grey Cup championship. Williams later signed with the Montreal Alouettes before retiring from professional football in 2015.
Off the field, Williams has carried the same determination into his personal and professional life. He holds two master's degrees—one in Software Engineering and another in Counseling—and operates a successful business enterprise serving Louisiana and surrounding areas.
From his formative years in Lorman to championship moments in Canada, Williams' story is a shining example of Alcorn State's mission to prepare student-athletes for success in both sport and life. His journey stands as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire Braves family—a reminder that tradition, discipline, and vision can open the door to extraordinary achievements.
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