USM football player MJ Daniels Jr. laid to rest in George County

George County and Southern Miss standout football player MJ Daniels was laid to rest Saturday afternoon surrounded by his family and friends.

Many gathered at George County High School to celebrate the life and home going of standout MJ Daniels Jr.

The packed-out gymnasium for his funeral shows just how many hearts Daniels touched in his 21 years of life. Southern Miss Head Football Coach Will Hall and Ole Miss Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin each shared a word on MJ’s legacy, along with other former head coaches throughout his athletic career.

MJ’s friends and family, sporting him in his USM football jersey on t-shirts, and many teammates were in attendance to show their support for their brother who always soared high as a Golden Eagle and George County and Ole Miss Rebel.

Family friend Zelda Fairley said, “I think it’s been a testament to this young man’s life, of his character, and what type of kindness he shared with people that he met. Basically, we’ve heard a eulogy for the past week and a half on this man’s life. Just continued to pray for his family. We continue to pray for his family, to give them strength through this and after.”

The tragic death of MJ Daniels Jr. is still under investigation. Four suspects are currently in custody.

News 25 will continue to update you on the ongoing investigation.