Southern Miss college football player MJ Daniels dies at 21, shot at Hattiesburg apartment

Southern Miss football player MJ Daniels tragically died on Tuesday after being shot at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg. Daniels, a 21-year-old native of Lucedale, was found at the Ivy Row housing complex late Tuesday night.

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"The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels, whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off campus. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time," the Southern Miss University statement read.

According to Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem, the body of Marcus "MJ" Daniels Jr. has been sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy. Southern Miss coach Will Hall and other university officials rushed to the scene alongside police and emergency workers.

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“We are asking the community for their help and to come forward with any information pertaining to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels,” said the police statement.

The university has since offered counseling services to the football team and others impacted by Daniels' untimely death.

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MJ Daniels' college football career

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles cornerback had a notable college career. After transferring from Ole Miss in 2023, Daniels played 12 games for Southern Miss in the 2023-24 season, recording 19 solo tackles, 9 assists, and 3 interceptions.

In 2022, during his sophomore year at Ole Miss, Daniels participated in 11 games, focusing primarily on kickoff coverage and punt return units. He tallied four tackles and half a sack, with an impressive performance against Central Arkansas where he recorded three tackles.

Daniels began his collegiate journey at the Ole Miss Rebels in 2021, appearing in five games as a freshman. He registered two tackles while playing as a reserved corner and on special teams.

His high school career at George County High School in Lucedale, Mississippi, was no less impressive. MJ Daniels earned multiple accolades, including being named to Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen and participating in the All-American Bowl. As a junior, he recorded 23 tackles and four interceptions.

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