{"id":149190,"date":"2025-05-12T13:16:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T18:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=149190"},"modified":"2025-05-15T10:00:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:00:26","slug":"a-j-brown-advises-new-class-of-rebel-alumni-the-playbook-is-yours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/a-j-brown-advises-new-class-of-rebel-alumni-the-playbook-is-yours\/","title":{"rendered":"A.J. Brown Advises New Class of Rebel Alumni ‘The Playbook Is Yours’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Super Bowl Champion urges some 5,500 graduates to lead with faith, focus, self-awareness<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

by Marisa C. Atkinson<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the shift of tassels and a familiar rousing refrain, the University of Mississippi <\/strong>graduated more than 5,500 students at its 172nd Commencement exercises Saturday, May 10, 2025, morning in a packed Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early-morning showers moved the ceremonies indoors, but the Pavilion was packed with smiling faces and excitement. Before an overflow ocean of navy gowns, Chancellor Glenn Boyce<\/strong> ensured the Class of 2025 and their loved ones that they are ready to build legacies of excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You are poised to contribute to the world in meaningful ways,” he said. “Your education and experience at the University of Mississippi<\/a> have prepared you to live a life full of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As you go forward in life, I know you will be outstanding and passionate ambassadors for Ole Miss through your example, continuing your trajectory of accomplishment and fulfilling your dreams in the process.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has been said that “one never graduates from Ole Miss.” Super Bowl champion, philanthropist and former Ole Miss standout wide receiver A.J. Brown<\/strong> lived that saying when he returned to the “spot that ever calls” as Commencement speaker<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brown has faced off against some of the most fearsome linebackers and safeties in both the SEC and NFL, and he’s competed on football’s biggest stage. Still, he told the graduates that delivering the keynote speech was intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Standing here, trying to impress your grandma, your professors and your group chat all at once \u2013 this might be the real pressure,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the “offensive coordinator” of the ceremonies, Brown shared his story of disappointment when he was traded from the Tennessee Titans<\/strong> to the Philadelphia Eagles<\/strong>. But he trusted God’s timing, and that disappointment turned into a blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He coached those in the crowd to do the same, encouraging graduates to become the play-callers instead of the players in their game of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You’re stepping into a new season,” he said. “You’re holding the ball. Ole Miss gave you the playbook. Now it’s your job to call the plays and lead the drive.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likening the graduates as their own operation and brand, Brown offered that their habits equaled investments, and that no one can rescue or build success for them \u2013 except them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Success isn’t owned,” he said. “It’s rented \u2013 and rent is due every single day,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day, you’re either investing in your purpose or wasting it, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brown emboldened graduates to stay focused on their future and be their own playmakers with three simple rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n