During a game between Southern Miss and the University of Miami Hurricanes on September 10, 2022, a Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles helmet was seen on the sidelines at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. This image captured by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images showcased the fierce competition between the two teams.
However, tragedy struck when Southern Mississippi defensive back Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr. was killed in an off-campus shooting. The 21-year-old lost his life at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and his body was sent to a medical examiner, as reported by The Associated Press. Southern Miss coach Will Hall and university officials were on-site, standing alongside police and emergency responders during this devastating event.
A statement released by Southern Miss football the following day expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Marcus Daniels Jr. The statement extended sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates, recognizing the emotional hardship they are facing. While the circumstances surrounding Daniels’ death were not specified in the statement, it was referred to as an “incident that occurred off-campus.”
Furthermore, the university ensured that counseling services would be made available to members of the football program and anyone connected to the school who needed support during this difficult time. Daniels, a senior and starting cornerback for the Golden Eagles, had shown great promise during his time on the team. In his only season with Southern Miss, he made 29 tackles and three interceptions in 12 games, demonstrating his skill and dedication to the sport. It was reported that Daniels had switched positions to safety for the upcoming 2024 season and was expected to be a key player once again.