We’ve seen several teams around college football using their uniforms to pay tribute to the late Mike Leach this bowl season, from UCLA to Alabama. Everyone expected Mississippi State to honor their departed head coach, who passed away unexpectedly in December, during their appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl and on the morning of the game, we finally got our first glimpse at what that will look like.
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒. #HailState🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/FeGdryJQQa
— Mississippi State Athletics (@HailState) January 2, 2023
The Bulldogs will wear a special helmet design featuring a pirate flag bearing Leach’s initials, a tribute to Leach’s lifelong love for pirate culture. According to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, the helmets were kept secret from the team and not revealed until this morning as the players arrived at the stadium. The reaction to the helmets from fans and college football Twitter appears unanimously positive.
It is truly remarkable and beautiful that Mississippi State is playing it’s bowl game in the one football stadium that has an actual pirate ship in it. https://t.co/4xA2i0c9va
— Jessica Benson (@jessbensontv) January 2, 2023
Amazing tribute. Emotional game. Bulldogs by a million. https://t.co/LOmWkFGkiB
— Clyde (@Clydesports1) January 2, 2023
I want to laugh, smile and cry all at the same time. 🔥 Best Helmets Ever. https://t.co/VHzpYLVdhD
— Hoosier Cat (@hoosiercat7386) January 2, 2023
I’m a lifetime Longhorn, but today I’m a pirate 🏴☠️ https://t.co/kqt2fUUfVq
— Jason Womack (@TheTexassGiant) January 2, 2023
This Bama girl is pulling hard for the Bulldogs today!! That helmet is gorgeous & a perfect tribute to a great man!! #HailState 🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️ https://t.co/qk48u7JjFp
— Jenn❤️🅰️🐘🏈 (@jeninal) January 2, 2023
