Super Bowl champion Willie Gay Jr. returned to Mississippi on Wednesday. Here's what he said

STURGIS, Miss. — Willie Gay Jr. was once an elementary school student listening to his teachers read Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” wondering how he’d reach his dreams of being an NFL star. Nearly two decades later, he’s reached the pinnacle of those aspirations.

Gay is a Super Bowl-winning linebacker after helping the Kansas City Chiefs take down the Philadelphia Eagles last month. The former Starkville High School and Mississippi State football star now looks to give back to children sitting where he once was.

Gay stopped by West Oktibbeha County Elementary School on Wednesday. In the school’s gymnasium, he sat in bleachers with students as they listened to a reading of Dr. Seuss’ famous work.

"It's always a special time whenever I can come back home and give back to the kids," Gay said.

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He was originally slated to be a special guest for Tuesday’s Black History Month program, but flight delays forced a postponement.

Following Wednesday's reading, Gay fielded questions from students. He was asked about his favorites subjects in school, whether he’d played for teams besides the Chiefs and played any other sports growing up.

Though he attended elementary school in Starkville, stopping by West Oktibbeha County Elementary was special to Gay as his mom works there. He noted that growing up featured punishments, but he reminded students that respecting teachers and parents went a long way.

Gay, who recorded eight tackles in the Super Bowl, is part of a strong group from the Magnolia State currently in the NFL – including 12 players who were on rosters or practices squads for the Eagles and Chiefs.

“Mississippi does have a lot of talented people,” Gay said. “Some make it and some don’t, unfortunately. But that’s why we come back and try to talk to kids and try to be that positive impact on their lives so when they see us they know that it is possible. … Whatever you set your mind to, you can do it. That’s the message we want to send.”

A student wearing a Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott jersey joined in on the Q&A session, asking what it was like winning the Super Bowl. Gay took the opportunity to poke fun at a fellow MSU great.

“I’m still happy about it,” Gay responded. “We’re the best team in the world. I hate you got that jersey on, but it’s all good. I’m going to get you a Chiefs jersey.”

The fun continued when Gay was asked whether Patrick Mahomes was the best quarterback.

“Oh yeah, man. He’s better than that dude he's got on,” Gay joked while pointing to the Prescott jersey.

Gay was honored at the school with a plaque commemorating his Super Bowl title and a framed photo of himself celebrating in confetti at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

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: Super Bowl champion Willie Gay Jr. back in Mississippi. What he said