Jimmie "Mississippi Red" McDowell

Sportswriting Career

Director of public relations and athletic publicity, Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg (’51-’55)

Sports Editor, Jackson Daily News, Jackson (’55)

Hosted his own sports show, WLBT-TV, Jackson (’56)

Sports Editor for The State Times, Jackson (’56)

Executive Sports Editor and Columnist, Trenton Times, Trenton, New Jersey (’62)

Executive Sports Editor and Columnist, Memphis Comercial Appeal (’64)

National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame (’64-’91)

• Director of Public Relations
• Appointed Executive Director of the organization in 1970

Outstanding Mississippian of the Year (’73)

Inducted into the Mississippi Sportswriters Hall of Fame (’81)

Honorary lifetime member of the American Football Coaches Association (’90)

Inducted into the University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame (’91)

Did You Know?

“Mississippi Red” McDowell is credited with suggesting the formation of a Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. In 1960, he presented the idea to “Farmer” Jim Neal, the longtime Jackson radio broadcaster who was president of the Jackson Touchdown Club.