A summer tradition on the gridiron
The 12th annual Malcolm Butler Football Camp took place on a Saturday in July at Vicksburg High School, drawing nearly 300 children from grades one through twelve for a day of drills, games and mentorship.
Former NFL star Malcolm Butler, a two‑time Super Bowl champion and now defensive backs coach at St. Thomas High School in Houston, guided the campers alongside VHS coaches and college players, leading them through passing routes, tug‑of‑war and other drills that emphasized fundamentals and teamwork.
Butler, who grew up in Vicksburg, expressed his joy at seeing the kids have fun while preparing for the upcoming season, awarding game balls to standout performers and highlighting the camp’s role as a summer staple that marks the unofficial start of football activities in the region.
A race that sparked debate
A light‑hearted 60‑yard dash between Butler and sprinter Amiyah Hall added a competitive edge to the event; Hall claimed Butler false‑started, but the former Patriots defender edged the win by a few inches, leaving the two tied 1‑1 in their annual contests and setting up a potential tiebreaker for next year.
The camp also inspired local youth such as 11‑year‑old Kylan Bee from Rolling Fork, who cited Butler’s journey from an undrafted rookie to Super Bowl champion as a personal motivation, underscoring the lasting impact of Butler’s mentorship beyond the field.