How former Mississippi State football linebacker K.J. Wright is giving back to Olive Branch
STARKVILLE — Few things are as routine as an NFL Sunday. There’s the breakfast before the early slate of games begin. There’s the hope of an elite matchup in the mid-afternoon slot. There’s the small gap between the afternoon games and the primetime game to grab dinner.
Then, there’s Sunday Night Football. It’s the premier slot in the NFL schedule, and former Mississippi State football linebacker KJ Wright was a familiar face in the peak of the Seattle Seahawks’ success. Except, it wasn’t only MSU he’d proudly represent on the biggest stage.
Instead, when the starting lineups were announced courtesy of the players reading their names, Wright often gave a shoutout to his hometown, Olive Branch High School.
“I just love my city so much,” K.J. Wright said on Monday.
In giving back to his hometown, the 33-year-old Wright is set to host his second annual alumni charity basketball game at his former high school on June 23. The event features a women’s and men’s game with proceeds going toward the school’s athletic programs. Tickets for the event are $15.
Throughout his NFL career – which started in 2011 when the Seahawks selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Drafr – supporting his hometown has been a priority. Wright hosted football camps but looked for other creative ways to raise money.
As a former three-sport athlete who still has a passion for basketball, the alumni game became an idea. It was originally supposed to start in 2020, but after COVID-19, the event finally took place last year.
“It’s one big family reunion,” said Wright, who retired after the 2021 season. “I just know the energy that we had last year is going to carry on into this year. We’ll give them another spectacular performance.”
Wright’s former basketball days
Now that he’s retired from football, Wright has found himself pulling the, “back in my day”card. While his football career made him a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowl selection, he doesn’t forget the success he had on the basketball court.
The 6-foot-4 Wright says he was nicknamed, “the elevator,” because of his vertical skills. He often defended the best opposing player and made rebounding a priority.
“If I’m guarding you, don’t even think about scoring,” Wright said.
Mississippi State football connections
Wright has found himself still attached to football. He loves the intricacies of the sport – how much to pay a player, who to trade, who to keep − and would like to work in a front office role eventually.
Working closely with Seahawks general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll for the better part of a decade is sure to help, but perhaps Wright’s path has already left an impact on the organization.
The Seahawks have reached back into the Mississippi State bag on various occasions since drafting Wright. The current roster holds three former Bulldogs – offensive linemen Charles Cross and Greg Eiland along with defensive lineman Cameron Young.
“Mississippi State is most definitely on the map,” Wright said. “We’ve got guys all across the league.”
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Many of those NFL products, including Wright, returned to Starkville in April for MSU’s spring game. While very few of those attending played for first-year coach Zach Arnett, Wright feels he won many of them over.
“He really cares about the direction this program is going,” Wright said. “He cares about the former guys and their input because we went through it. We were there for four years − some guys for three years. We know what it takes to take this thing to a new level. For him to include us, it really meant a lot to me.”
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Former Mississippi State football great K.J. Wright helping Olive Branch
