From humble beginnings in Carroll County, Patrick Willis developed into someone who is considered to be one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the National Football League.
A retired all-Pro linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, Willis served as guest speaker during induction ceremonies at the 37th Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Tuesday.
The Bruceton native, who starred at Central High School before being named All-Southeastern Conference and All-American at the University of Mississippi, was a first round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Named the 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press, Willis defined his vision in life and athletics with those in attendance at the banquet.
“Vision – the ability to see beyond your circumstances, the ability to see beyond where you are right now,” Willis said, “Growing up, at times … times were tough (but) my outlet to get through the hard times were sports – baseball, basketball and football.
“I liked to think I was pretty decent in all three and I worked really, really hard and I was grateful to have some amazing people along my way – starting with my uncles I competed with every second (I had).”
Where Willis played was more than a stadium or arena.
“When I was on the field, it was my playground,” Willis said, “Whatever was going on, i could take my frustrations and joy out on the other team.
“I had a vision and each day – I put in the work to make sure I was headed toward my vision.
“My dad once said, ‘If you want it son, you have to earn it.’ No one is going to give it to you.”
Willis asked those in attendance to remember three things.
“Purpose powers the mind, vision drives the body and passion fuels the soul, Willis said, “Passion is what you love to do so much it sets you on fire … it sets you on fire … you are willing to pass it on.”
Jim Frazier, Johnny Growe, Lee Mayhall, Tommy Sadler and Tim Sikes became the 37th class of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.
Jimmy Duke, who emceed the hall of fame festivities for 20 years, was the recipient of the 2023 Billy Schrivner Distinguished Service Award.
Jim Frazier graduated from Union University with a Bachelor of Science in 1967, and obtained his Master of Education Degree from Memphis State University in 1973.
At Tigrett Junior High School (grades 7-9) in Jackson, Frazier worked as an assistant football coach – offensive and defensive line. Tigrett compiled a record of 20-4 during his time at the school in 1968 through 1971.
Johnny Growe was the head baseball coach at South Side High School from 1985 to 2013; Trinity Christian Academy (2014-2017) and Greenfield High School (2019-2022) where he amassed a total of 702 wins.
Lee Mayhall, a 2012 USJ graduate, was named all-state in football (3 years, 2009, 2010 & 2011), baseball (2012) and basketball (2012).
He played college football at the University of North Alabama, where he was a four-year starter and named USA College – NCAA All-American 1st team in 2015, All-Gulf South Conference 1st team (2015), and All-Gulf South Conference second team (2014).
Tommy Sadler, the Director of Athletics at Union University, graduated from South Side High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball for the Hawks.
He also played baseball at Union University, where he was named Most Outstanding Pitcher in 1975.
He had been employed at Union University for 34 years, and was the Associate Director of Athletics for 15 years, before become the school’s athletic director in 2008.
Tim Sikes, a 1974 North Side High School graduate, was one of only two student-athletes to letter in three sports the Indians participated in – football, basketball and baseball.
Sikes, who played baseball at Union University, and his .408 batting average his senior year remains in the top 10 single season batting averages all-time in school history.
(PHOTO: from left – Jim Frazier, Tim Sikes, Lee Mayhall, Patrick Willis, Tommy Sadler and Johnny Growe)
