A group of former University of Mississippi football players has embarked on a campaign to memorialize legendary coach Billy Brewer by securing a permanent place for him in the new Triplett Alumni Center. The effort, led by alumni such as Wesley Walls and Jamie Holder, has already raised $135,000 toward a $250,000 target, underscoring the deep gratitude many feel for Brewer’s influence.
Brewer, who coached the Rebels for more than two decades, is celebrated not only for his on‑field successes but also for the culture he instilled — most notably the Walk of Champions tradition and a habit of peppering daily practices with memorable sayings that still echo among former players.
A balcony with a view
The proposed balcony, once named in Brewer’s honor, will overlook the iconic Grove and serve as a venue for gatherings, celebrations and reflections on the program’s history. Its placement was chosen deliberately to give the space a panoramic perspective of the campus landmark that Brewer himself helped elevate.
The initiative is part of a broader $51 million construction project for the Triplett Alumni Center, a facility designed to consolidate alumni relations and showcase the university’s athletic heritage. By dedicating a portion of the building to Brewer, the players hope to create a lasting reminder of the discipline and love for Ole Miss that defined his career.
From mock scholarships to real impact
Stories such as the mock scholarship Brewer sent to Jamie Holder’s first child illustrate the personal connections he forged with his athletes. Those moments, now recounted by Walls, Holder and others, reveal a mentor who saw each player as more than a name on a roster.
As the fundraising drive continues, the group remains focused on reaching the $250,000 goal, confident that the community will rally behind a tribute that captures both the quantitative and the deeply personal dimensions of Brewer’s legacy.