Mario Haggan visits Friday Night Under the Lights

During Friday’s October 3rd show, FNUTL got a welcome visit from Mississippi State legend and 10-year NFL pro Mario Haggan.  Mario grew up in Clarksdale and was a member of their state Class 4A championship in 1997.  Mario went on to earn National All-American Honorable Mention from USA Today.

At Mississippi State Mario played both linebacker and defensive end, and was a member of their great 1998 team that won the SEC Western Division and the 1999 team that lead the nation in total defense.  While he played, the Bulldogs went to the SEC Championship Game, the Cotton Bowl, the Peach Bowl and the legendary snow game at the Independence Bowl.  He was first team All-SEC team selection by the Associated Press and a two-time second-team All-SEC selection by the Sporting News.

Drafted 7th by the Buffalo Bills, Mario defied the odds and played ten years in the NFL at Buffalo, Denver, and St. Louis.  He was named a defensive captain for Denver in 2009 and one of only two players to start every game in 2009 and 2010.  Because of his versatility and football-sense, at Denver he performed a rare five-ecta, playing all three linebacker positions and both defensive end positions.

In 2015, Mario Haggan was named to the 2015 SEC Football Legends Class.  The Legends is an annual award program to honor outstanding former SEC players.

Mario explains how he defied the odds an played 10 years at the top in the NFL

During the Interview, Mario was asked for the young players listening, how to excel in the game of football.

Catch all of Mario’s interview here.  Thanks for the visit Mario!