ÂÌÆÞÉçÇø

Thanks to gifts from student-athletes who played for Brewer, the new Triplett Alumni Center will include the Billy Brewer Balcony, a space where former players can gather and share stories of their glory days.

So far, 25 of Brewer's players have raised $135,000 toward a $250,000 goal, with 1985-88 Rebel tight end , of Charlotte, North Carolina, making a lead gift.

"Everyone wants to help because we all have a unique story about how changed our lives," said Walls, who played for four NFL teams after graduating from Ole Miss, including the 1990 Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers.

"We're committed to seeing this project finished so we can gather on the Billy Brewer Balcony, remember our playing days and share stories about the extraordinary man who meant so much to all of us."

The effort is about giving Brewer the credit he deserves, said Jamie Holder, of Bay Springs, a Rebel wide receiver from 1983 to 1985.

"He accomplished a great deal with very limited resources: far fewer facilities, recruiting advantages or institutional support than exist today," Holder said. "Despite that, his love for Ole Miss was unmistakable.

"You could feel it in the way he talked about the program, the history and the great teams and moments from his own playing days. He constantly reminded us of what Ole Miss football stood for and where it came from."

Brewer established a game day tradition at Ole Miss: , during which players and coaches parade to the stadium on foot through throngs of cheering fans, a practice that has been replicated at colleges and universities nationwide.

"He understood the power of tradition and pride, and he built that intentionally," Holder said. "Coach Brewer was also an exceptional motivator. Every day he left quotes or sayings in our lockers – sometimes funny, sometimes inspiring – but always meant to keep our minds focused and sharp.

"He demanded discipline and accountability, from attending meetings to eating breakfast and going to class. That discipline was intense, and it stuck with us; even years later, many of us still have nightmares about being late or unprepared."

Walls agreed.

"He was the toughest coach I ever played for, physically and mentally," he said. "We had no days off, wore shoulder pads every day and practiced with game-level intensity.

"When you felt like you couldn't go anymore and somehow found the strength to keep going, that's when coach Billy Brewer knew he had you. He pushed all of us to our limits, tested us, made us better football players and more importantly, better men."

The idea to honor Brewer formed during a meeting of the advisory board. Todd Sandroni, a defensive back in 1987-90 from Tupelo, was a board member.

"During that conversation, we talked about how different individuals and groups were trying to raise money for specific projects," Sandroni said. "That led me to think about coach Brewer, who spent 10 seasons at Ole Miss and had so many players come through the program during his tenure.

"One thing led to another, and we began discussing the idea of reaching out to former players who played under coach Brewer to help fund a balcony in his honor and name it after him."

Sandroni contacted athletes who played for Brewer before and after him, and each showed interest in helping to honor the coach.

"In many ways, that enthusiasm reflects how deeply coach Brewer loved Ole Miss," he said. "He played there under coach (Johnny) Vaught, stayed connected to the program even after his coaching career ended and often spoke about Ole Miss being his dream job and part of who he was.

"Ultimately, this effort is about honoring coach Brewer, bringing his former players back together and showing appreciation for everything he did for us and for the program."

It's also about having a space to call their own.

The Billy Brewer Balcony will offer a view of the Grove and allow the Alumni Association to host gatherings, from career fairs and alumni reunions to rehearsal dinners and weddings, and further enhance opportunities for connection.

The new Triplett Alumni Center is a $51 million-plus project that will serve as a welcome center for campus.

A significant aspect of the new building is the integration of the university's athletics legacy. The third floor will house the M-Club Alumni Chapter, featuring special collections and memorabilia in the Manning Room and the Jake Gibbs Room, and the Billy Brewer Balcony.

Kirk Purdom, the association's CEO, expressed appreciation for the teammates' vision.

"What these former student-athletes are doing is admirable, and the fact that their gifts honor one of our university's greatest football coaches makes it especially meaningful," Purdom said. "It sets a powerful example for other teams and players."

Brewer genuinely cared about the individuals on his teams as people, not just as football players, even long after their playing careers ended. For example, when Holder's first child was born, Brewer sent the baby boy a mock scholarship to play for Ole Miss.

"We knew he truly cared about us, and that's why players who played for him still love and respect him so deeply," Holder said. "Above all, coach Brewer demanded respect because he earned it.

"Honoring him feels long overdue. He gave everything he had to Ole Miss football, and he deserves to be remembered properly for the legacy he built."

For information on supporting the Billy Brewer Balcony project or to make a gift to the Triplett Alumni Center building fund,  or contact Mary Kate Skelton at marykate@olemissalumni.com or 662-915-2377.

Top: Ole Miss football coach Billy Brewer (center) leads the Rebels along the Walk of Champions on their way to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on a football Saturday. Several of his former players are leading an effort to raise $250,000 and have a balcony in the new Triplett Alumni Center named in his honor. Photo courtesy Ole Miss Department of Athletics