List of sports-related people from Mississippi

This list contains sportspersons, coaches, and other sports-related people who were born or lived in the U.S. state of Mississippi. For other groups, see List of people from Mississippi.

Baseball

 * Frank Baker (born 1946), shortstop, (Meridian)
 * Howard Battle (born 1972), third baseman, (Biloxi)
 * Cool Papa Bell (1903–1991), center fielder, (Starkville)
 * Don Blasingame (1932–2005), second baseman, (Corinth)
 * Milt Bolling (1930–2013), shortstop, (Mississippi City)
 * Josh Booty (born 1975), third baseman, (Starkville)
 * Julio Borbon (born 1986), outfielder, (Starkville)
 * Dennis Ray "Oil Can" Boyd (born 1959), pitcher, (Meridian)
 * Chad Bradford (born 1974), pitcher, (Jackson)
 * Jeff Branson (born 1967), infielder, (Waynesboro)
 * Jeff Brantley (born 1963), pitcher and ESPN analyst, (Starkville)
 * Adrian Brown (born 1974), center fielder, (McComb)
 * Jamie Brown (born 1977), pitcher, (Meridian)
 * Ellis Burks (born 1964), outfielder and designated hitter, (Vicksburg)
 * Guy Bush (1901–1985), pitcher, (Aberdeen)
 * Joey Butler (born 1986), outfielder, (Pascagoula)
 * Louis Coleman (born 1986), relief pitcher, (Greenwood)
 * Dewon Day (born 1980), relief pitcher, (Jackson)
 * Dizzy Dean (1910–1974), pitcher, (Bond)
 * Tommy Dean (born 1945), shortstop, (Iuka)
 * Corey Dickerson (born 1989), outfielder
 * Hayden Dunhurst (born 2000),catcher (Carriere)
 * Bob Didier (born 1949), catcher, (Hattiesburg)
 * Brian Dozier (born 1987), infielder, (Fulton)
 * Jarrod Dyson (born 1984), outfielder, (McComb)
 * David "Boo" Ferriss (1921–2016), pitcher, (Shaw)
 * Curt Ford (born 1960), outfielder, (Jackson)
 * Joey Gathright (born 1981), minor league outfielder, (Hattiesburg)
 * Joe Gibbon (1935–2019), pitcher, (Hickory)
 * Jake Gibbs (born 1938), catcher, (Grenada)
 * Rod Gilbreath (born 1954), second baseman, (Laurel)
 * Luther Hackman (born 1974), pitcher, (Columbus)
 * Bill Hall (born 1979), third baseman, (Nettleton)
 * Billy Hamilton (born 1990), center fielder, (Taylorsville)
 * Mickey Harrington (1934–2017), pinch-runner, (Hattiesburg)
 * Charlie Hayes (born 1965), third baseman, (Hattiesburg)
 * Larry Herndon (born 1953), outfielder, (Sunflower)
 * Jarrett Hoffpauir (born 1983), second baseman, (Natchez)
 * Jonathan Holder (1993), relief pitcher, (Gulfport)
 * TJ House (born 1989), pitcher, (Picayune)
 * Dusty Hughes (born 1982), relief pitcher (Tupelo)
 * Cleo James (born 1940), outfielder, (Clarksdale)
 * Matt Lawton (born 1971), right fielder, (Gulfport)
 * Brent Leach (born 1982), relief pitcher, (Flowood)
 * Chet Lemon (born 1955), outfielder, (Jackson)
 * Ronnie Lester (born 1959), player, assistant general manager, (Canton)
 * Fred Lewis (born 1980), left fielder, (Hattiesburg)
 * Jacob Lindgren (born 1993), pitcher, (Bay St. Louis)
 * John Lindsey (born 1977), minor league first baseman, (Hattiesburg)
 * Nook Logan (born 1979), center fielder, (Natchez)
 * Barry Lyons (born 1960), catcher, (Biloxi)
 * Paul Maholm (born 1982), starting pitcher, (Greenwood)
 * Chris Maloney (born 1961), minor league player, manager, (Jackson)
 * Brian Maxcy (born 1971), pitcher, (Amory)
 * Allen McDill (born 1971), left-handed specialist pitcher, (Greenville)
 * Matt Miller (born 1971), pitcher (2003–2007) (Greenwood)
 * Bill Melton (born 1945), third baseman, (Gulfport)
 * Dustan Mohr (born 1976), outfielder, (Hattiesburg)
 * Tyler Moore (born 1987), first baseman and outfielder, (Brandon)
 * Mitch Moreland (born 1985), first baseman and outfielder (Amory)
 * Buddy Myer (1904–1974), second baseman, (Ellisville)
 * Ryan Nye (born 1973), pitcher, (Biloxi)
 * Roy Oswalt (born 1977), starting pitcher, (Weir)
 * Dave Parker (born 1951), right fielder and designated hitter, (Jackson)
 * Claude Passeau (1909–2003), pitcher, (Lucedale)
 * Gary Rath (born 1973), starting pitcher, (Gulfport)
 * Hunter Renfroe (born 1992), outfielder, (Crystal Springs
 * Kevin Rogers (born 1968), pitcher, (Cleveland)
 * Nate Rolison (born 1977), first baseman, (Petal)
 * Reb Russell (1889–1973), pitcher, (Jackson)
 * George Scott (1944–2013), first baseman, (Greenville)
 * Kim Seaman, (born 1957), pitcher, (Pascagoula)
 * Tony Sipp (born 1983), relief pitcher, (Moss Point)
 * Matt Skrmetta (born 1972), pitcher, (Biloxi)
 * Jason Smith (born 1977), infielder, (Meridian)
 * Seth Smith (born 1982), outfielder, (Jackson)
 * Justin Steele (born 1995), pitcher, (Lucedale)
 * Blake Stein (born 1973), pitcher, (McComb)
 * Craig Tatum (born 1983), catcher (Hattiesburg)
 * Marcus Thames (born 1977), outfielder and first baseman, (Louisville)
 * John Thomson (born 1973), starting pitcher, (Vicksburg)
 * Matt Tolbert (born 1982), infielder, (born in McComb, raised in Woodville)
 * Eddie "Scooter" Tucker (born 1966), catcher, (Greenville)
 * Jermaine Van Buren (born 1980), relief pitcher, (Laurel)
 * Chico Walker (born 1957), second base, (Jackson)
 * Harry Walker (1916–1999), outfielder and manager, (Pascagoula)
 * Skeeter Webb (1909–1986), infielder, (Meridian)
 * Barry Wesson (born 1977), outfielder, (Tupelo)
 * Frank White (born 1950), second baseman and coach, (Greenville)
 * Eli Whiteside (born 1979), catcher, (New Albany)
 * Dmitri Young (born 1973), first baseman, (Vicksburg)
 * Tim Young (born 1973), relief pitcher, (Gulfport)
 * Walter Young (1980–2015), first baseman, (Hattiesburg)

Basketball

 * Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (born 1969), point guard, (Gulfport)
 * Coolidge Ball, forward, (Indianola)
 * Earl Barron (born 1981), center, (Clarksdale)
 * Billy Ray Bates (born 1956), shooting guard, (Kosciusko)
 * Jonathan Bender (born 1981), power forward, (Picayune)
 * Travarus Bennett (born 1979), minor leagues, (Rosedale)
 * Ruthie Bolton (born 1967), shooting guard, head coach (Lucedale)
 * Melvin Booker (born 1972), point guard, (Pascagoula)
 * Tom Bowens (born 1940), forward-center, (Okolona)
 * Alonzo Bradley (born 1953), forward, (Utica)
 * Rickey Brown (born 1958), forward-center, (Madison County)
 * Shaq Buchanan (born 1997), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
 * Cleveland Buckner (1938–2006), forward-center, (Yazoo City)
 * Deondre Burns (born 1997), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
 * Jackie Butler (born 1985), center, (McComb)
 * Isaiah Canaan (born 1991), point guard, (Biloxi)
 * Maurice Carter (born 1976), guard, (Jackson)
 * Cornelius Cash (born 1952), forward, (Macon)
 * Harvey Catchings (born 1951), center, (Jackson)
 * Terry Catledge (born 1963), forward, (Houston)
 * Van Chancellor (born 1943), women's coach, (Louisville)
 * E.C. Coleman (born 1950), forward, (Flora)
 * Joe Courtney (born 1969), power forward, (Jackson)
 * Erick Dampier (born 1975), center, (New Hebron)
 * Ollie Darden (born 1944), forward-center, (Aberdeen)
 * Archie Dees (1936–2016), forward-center, (Ethel)
 * Ronald Dupree (born 1981), small forward, (Biloxi)
 * Keith Edmonson (born 1960), guard, (Gulfport)
 * Monta Ellis (born 1985), point guard and shooting guard, (Jackson)
 * Drew Eubanks (born 1997),Power forward/Center, (Starkville)
 * Tim Floyd (born 1954), men's head coach, (Hattiesburg)
 * Nell Fortner (born 1959), women's head coach, (Jackson)
 * Jennifer Gillom (born 1964), WNBA player, Olympic gold medalist, coach, (Abbeville)
 * Gerald Glass (born 1967), guard-forward, (Greenwood)
 * Lancaster Gordon (born 1962), guard-forward, (Jackson)
 * Litterial Green (born 1970), point guard, (Pascagoula)
 * Kevin Griffin (born 1975), shooting guard/small forward
 * Tang Hamilton (born 1978), forward, (Jackson)
 * Ira Harge (born 1941), center, (Anguilla)
 * Othella Harrington (born 1974), power forward, (Jackson)
 * Lusia Harris (born 1955), first female player in Hall of Fame, (Minter City)
 * Antonio Harvey (born 1970), radio broadcaster, player, (Pascagoula)
 * Spencer Haywood (born 1949), power forward/center, (Silver City)
 * Ronnie Henderson, shooting guard, led the SEC twice in scoring at LSU, (Gulfport)
 * Jeanne Ruark Hoff, player for Stanford
 * Eddie Hughes (born 1960), point guard, (Greenville)
 * Lindsey Hunter (born 1970), point guard, (Utica)
 * Leroy Hurd (born 1980), forward, (Pascagoula)
 * Al Jefferson (born 1985), center/power forward, (Monticello)
 * Clay Johnson (born 1956), guard, (Yazoo City)
 * John Johnson (1947–2016), small forward, (Carthage)
 * Trey Johnson (born 1984), shooting guard, (Jackson)
 * Carolyn Jones-Young (born 1969), guard, Olympic bronze medalist, (Bay Springs)
 * Randolph Keys (born 1966), guard-forward, (Collins)
 * Danny Manning (born 1966), forward, (Hattiesburg)
 * Ed Manning (1944–2011), forward, (Summit)
 * Antonio McDyess (born 1974), power forward, (Quitman)
 * Derrick McKey (born 1966), small forward and power forward, (Meridian)
 * Leland Mitchell (1941–2013), guard, (Kiln)
 * Matthew Mitchell (born 1970), women's head coach, (Louisville)
 * Dyron Nix (born 1967), forward, (Meridian)Victoria Vivians.jpg]]
 * Audie Norris (born 1960), center, (Jackson)
 * Willie Norwood (born 1947), forward, (Carrollton)
 * Travis Outlaw (born 1984), small forward and power forward, (Starkville)
 * Murriel Page (born 1975), WNBA player, (Louin)
 * Marckell Patterson (born 1979), shooting guard, (Eupora)
 * Kenny Payne (born 1966), small forward, (Laurel)
 * Armintie Price (born 1985), shooting guard, (Myrtle)
 * Dolph Pulliam, center, sportscaster, (West Point)
 * Bob Quick (born 1946), guard-forward, (Thornton)
 * Justin Reed (1982–2017), forward, (Jackson)
 * James Robinson (born 1970), shooting guard, (Jackson)
 * LaQuinton Ross (born 1991), player for Hapoel Eilat of Israeli Basketball Premier League
 * Eugene Short (1953–2016), small forward, (Hattiesburg)
 * Purvis Short (born 1957), small forward and shooting guard, (Hattiesburg)
 * Larry Smith (born 1958), center-forward, (Rolling Fork)
 * Charles Thomas (born 1986), player for Maccabi Rishon LeZion of Israeli Basketball Premier League
 * Sedric Toney (born 1962), guard, (Columbus)
 * Jarvis Varnado (born 1988), forward-center
 * Victoria Vivians (born 1994), shooting guard
 * Margaret Wade (1912–1995), player and coach, (Cleveland)
 * Cornell Warner (born 1948), forward-center, (Jackson)
 * Eric Washington (born 1974), guard-forward, (Pearl)
 * Slick Watts (born 1951), guard, (Rolling Fork)
 * Clarence Weatherspoon (born 1970), power forward, (Crawford)
 * Dwayne Whitfield (born 1972), power forward, (Aberdeen)
 * Tamika Whitmore (born 1977), forward, (Tupelo)
 * Maurice "Mo" Williams (born 1982), point guard, (Jackson)
 * George Wilson (born 1942), center, (Meridian)

American football

 * Cam Akers (born 1999), running back, (Clinton)
 * Brian Alford (born 1975), wide receiver, (Crawford)
 * Jake Allen (born 1985), wide receiver, (Laurel)
 * Lance Alworth (born 1940), wide receiver, (Brookhaven)
 * Jesse Anderson (born 1966), tight end, (West Point)
 * Rashard Anderson (born 1977), cornerback, (Forest)
 * Houston Antwine (1939–2011), defensive tackle, (Louise)
 * Jason Armstead (born 1979), wide receiver (Canadian Football League), (Moss Point)
 * Hank Autry (born 1947), center, (Hattiesburg)
 * Chris Avery (born 1975), fullback and linebacker (arena football), (Grenada)
 * Vick Ballard (born 1990), running back, (Pascagoula)
 * Jerome Barkum (born 1950), wide receiver/tight end, (Gulfport)
 * Fred Barnett (born 1966), wide receiver, (Gunnison)
 * Lem Barney (born 1945), cornerback, (Gulfport)
 * Steve Baylark (born 1983), running back, (Aberdeen)
 * Tony Bennett (born 1967), linebacker, (Alligator)
 * Kenneth Bernich (born 1951), guard, (Biloxi)
 * Damarius Bilbo (born 1982), football, (Moss Point)
 * Earl Blair (1934–2004), halfback, (Pascagoula)
 * George Blair (born 1938), AFL halfback, (Pascagoula)
 * Josh Booty (born 1975), quarterback, (Starkville)
 * Tim Bowens (born 1973), defensive tackle, (Okolona)
 * Johnny Brewer (1937–2011), tight end/linebacker, (Vicksburg)
 * Tramaine Brock (born 1988), defensive back, (Long Beach)
 * A. J. Brown (born 1997), wide receiver, (Starkville)
 * Allen Brown (1943–2020), tight end, (Natchez)
 * C. C. Brown (born 1983), safety, (Greenwood)
 * Nathan Brown (born 1986), quarterback, (Hattiesburg)
 * Willie Brown (1940–2019), cornerback, (Yazoo City)
 * Correll Buckhalter, running back, (Collins)
 * Eldra Buckley (born 1985), running back, (Charleston)
 * Terrell Buckley (born 1971), cornerback, (Pascagoula)
 * Derrick Burgess (born 1978), defensive end/linebacker, (Oxford)
 * Chris Burkett (born 1962), wide receiver, (Laurel)
 * Malcolm Butler (born 1990), cornerback, (Vicksburg)
 * Jason Campbell (born 1981), quarterback, (Laurel)
 * Steve Campbell (born 1966), head coach
 * Cooper Carlisle (born 1977), offensive guard, (Greenville)
 * Alex Carrington (born 1987), defensive lineman, (Tupelo)
 * Chris Carson (born 1994), running back, (Biloxi)
 * Perry Carter (born 1971), defensive back, (McComb)
 * Kory Chapman (born 1980), running back, (Batesville)
 * Don Churchwell (1936–2010), offensive tackle, (Leakesville)
 * Billy Clay (born 1944), cornerback, (Oxford)
 * Roderick (Rod) Coleman (born 1976), defensive tackle, (Vicksburg)
 * Reggie Collier (born 1961), quarterback and wide receiver, (D'Iberville)
 * Jalen Collins (born 1993), cornerback, (Southaven)
 * Jamie Collins (born 1989), linebacker, (McCall Creek)
 * Charlie Conerly (1921–1996), quarterback, (Clarksdale)
 * Darion Conner (born 1967), NFL linebacker and Arena Football League player, (Macon)
 * Fred Cook (born 1952), defensive end, (Pascagoula)
 * Logan Cooke (born 1995), NFL punter (Columbia)
 * Johnie Cooks (born 1958), linebacker, (Leland)
 * Russell Copeland (born 1971), wide receiver, (Tupelo)
 * Fletcher Cox (born 1990), defensive tackle, (Yazoo City)
 * Bobby Crespino (1938–2013), tight end, (Duncan)
 * Quinton Culberson (born 1985), linebacker, (Jackson)
 * Doug Cunningham (1945–2015), running back, (Louisville)
 * Roland Dale (1927–2012), end, (Magee)
 * Erick Dampier (born 1975), NBA player (Jackson)
 * Willie Daniel (1937–2015), defensive back, (New Albany)
 * Demario Davis (born 1989), linebacker, (Brandon)
 * Rod Davis (born 1981), linebacker, (Gulfport)
 * Mike Dennis (born 1944), running back, (Philadelphia)
 * Anthony Dixon (born 1987), running back, (Jackson)
 * Kevin Dockery (born 1984), cornerback, (Hernando)
 * Larry Dorsey (born 1953), wide receiver and high school coach, (Corinth)
 * Jim Dunaway (1941–2018), defensive tackle, (Columbia)
 * Marcus Dupree (born 1964), running back, (Philadelphia)
 * Antuan Edwards (born 1977), safety, (Starkville)
 * Mario Edwards (born 1975), cornerback, (Gautier)
 * Carlos Emmons (born 1973), linebacker, (Greenwood)
 * Mike Espy (born 1982), wide receiver, (Jackson)
 * Kaleb Eulls (born 1991), defensive tackle, (Yazoo County)
 * Major Everett (born 1960), running back, (New Hebron)
 * Brett Favre (born 1969), quarterback, (Kiln)
 * Jason Ferguson (born 1974), defensive tackle, (Nettleton)
 * Damion Fletcher (born 1987), running back, (Biloxi)
 * Leslie Frazier (born 1959), cornerback and safety/defensive coordinator, (Columbus)
 * Steve Freeman (born 1953), defensive back, game official, (Oxford)
 * C. J. Gaddis (born 1985), safety, (Hattiesburg)
 * William Gaines (born 1971), defensive lineman, (Jackson)
 * Jimmie Giles (born 1954), tight end, (Natchez)
 * Robert Gillespie (born 1979), running back, (Hattiesburg)
 * Chris Givens (born 1989), wide receiver, (Jackson)
 * Tom Goode (1938–2015), offensive lineman, (West Point)
 * Stephen Gostkowski (born 1984), placekicker, (Madison)
 * Larry Grantham (1938–2017), linebacker, (Crystal Springs)
 * Hugh Green (born 1959), linebacker, (Natchez)
 * Louis Green (born 1979), linebacker, (Vicksburg)
 * L. C. Greenwood (1946–2013), defensive end, (Canton)
 * Jack Gregory (1944–2019), defensive end, (Okolona)
 * Cedric Griffin (born 1982), cornerback, (Natchez)
 * Glynn Griffing (born 1940), quarterback, (Bentonia)
 * Justin Griffith (born 1980), fullback, (Magee)
 * Quentin Groves (born 1984), defensive end, (Greenville)
 * Michael Haddix (born 1961), running back, (Tippah County)
 * Bobby Hamilton (born 1971), defensive end, (Columbia)
 * Parys Haralson (born 1984), linebacker, (Flora)
 * Larry Hardy (born 1956), tight end, (Mendenhall)
 * Clarence Harmon (born 1955), running back, (Kosciusko)
 * Anthony Harris (born 1981), defensive tackle (Mayersville)
 * Larry Hart (born 1987), defensive end and outside linebacker, (Madison)
 * Kevin Henry (born 1968), defensive lineman, (Mound Bayou)
 * Mack Herron (1948–2015), running back, (Biloxi)
 * Tyreek Hill (born 1994), wide receiver, (Biloxi)
 * Roy Hilton (1943–2019), defensive end, (Hazlehurst)
 * Stephen Hobbs (born 1965), wide receiver, (Mendenhall)
 * Corey Holmes (born 1976), running back (Canadian football), (Greenville)
 * Jaret Holmes (born 1976), placekicker, (Clinton)
 * Lester Holmes (born 1969), offensive lineman, (Tylertown)
 * Walter Holman (born 1959), running back, (Vaiden)
 * Estus Hood (born 1955), cornerback, (Hattiesburg)
 * Houston Hoover (born 1965), offensive lineman, (Yazoo City)
 * Joe Horn (born 1972), wide receiver, (Tupelo)
 * Derrick Hoskins (born 1970), cornerback, (Meridian)
 * Gary Huff (born 1951), quarterback, (Natchez)
 * Kent Hull (born 1960), offensive lineman, (Pontotoc)
 * Don Hultz (born 1940), defensive lineman, (Moss Point)
 * Terry Irvin (born 1954), defensive back (Canadian Football League), (Columbia)
 * Brandon Jackson (born 1985), running back, (Horn Lake)
 * Harold Jackson (born 1946), wide receiver, (Hattiesburg)
 * Jarious Jackson (born 1977), quarterback/free safety (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Tupelo)
 * Kirby Jackson (born 1965), defensive back, (Sturgis)
 * Tristan Jackson (born 1986), defensive back (Canadian football), (Beaumont)
 * Sean James (born 1969), running back, (Meridian)
 * Melvin Jenkins (born 1962), cornerback, (Jackson)
 * M. D. Jennings (born 1988), strong safety, (Grenada)
 * John Jerry (born 1986), offensive lineman, (Batesville)
 * Peria Jerry (born 1984), defensive tackle, (Batesville)
 * Antonio Johnson (born 1984), defensive tackle, (Leland)
 * Dennis Johnson (born 1956), fullback, (Weir)
 * Rory Johnson (born 1986), linebacker (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Vicksburg)
 * Spencer Johnson (born 1981), defensive end, (Waynesboro)
 * Tom Johnson (born 1984), defensive tackle, (Moss Point)
 * Chris Jones (born 1994), defensive tackle, (Houston)
 * Chris Jones (born 1982), wide receiver, (Macon)
 * Ronald Jones (born 1981), defensive lineman (Canadian Football League), (Gulfport)
 * Reggie Kelly (born 1977), tight end, (Aberdeen)
 * Tommy Kelly (born 1980), defensive tackle, (Jackson)
 * Tyrone Keys (born 1960), defensive lineman, (Jackson)
 * Ed Khayat (born 1935), defensive end, (Moss Point)
 * Frank Kinard (1914–1985), offensive tackle, (Pelahatchie)
 * Curt Knight (born 1943), placekicker, (Gulfport)
 * Paul Lacoste (born 1974), linebacker, (Jackson)
 * Roland Lakes (1939–2012), defensive lineman/defensive tackle, (Vicksburg)
 * Maxie Lambright (1924–1980), player at Southern Mississippi; coach at Louisiana Tech (McComb)
 * Cameron Lawrence (born 1991), linebacker, (Coldwater)
 * Donald Lee (born 1980), tight end, (Maben)
 * Brad Leggett (born 1966), center, (Vicksburg)
 * Alex Lincoln (born 1977), linebacker, (Meridian)
 * Ken Lucas (born 1979), cornerback, (Cleveland)
 * Milton Mack (born 1963), cornerback, (Jackson)
 * Earsell Mackbee (1941–2009), cornerback, (Brookhaven)
 * John Mangum (born 1967), defensive back, (Magee)
 * Kris Mangum (born 1973), tight end, (Magee)
 * Archie Manning (born 1949), quarterback, (Drew)
 * Eli Manning (born 1981), quarterback, (Oxford)
 * Aubrey Matthews (born 1962), wide receiver, (Pascagoula)
 * Shane Matthews (born 1970), quarterback, (Pascagoula)
 * Fred McAfee (born 1968), running back, (Philadelphia)
 * Deuce McAllister (born 1978), running back, (Morton)
 * Trumaine McBride (born 1985), cornerback, (Clarksdale)
 * Dee McCann (born 1983), cornerback (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Lucedale)
 * Dexter McCleon (born 1973), safety, (Meridian)
 * Sam McCullum (born 1952), wide receiver, (McComb)
 * Ben McGee (born 1939), defensive end, (Starkville)
 * Buford McGee (born 1960), running back, (Durant)
 * Herb McMath (1954–2016), defensive tackle and defensive end, (Coahoma)
 * Greg McMurtry (born 1967), wide receiver, (Jackson)
 * Fred McNair (born 1968), quarterback, (Mount Olive)
 * Steve McNair (1973–2009), quarterback, (Mount Olive)
 * Freeman McNeil (born 1959), running back, (Jackson)
 * Jerrold McRae ( born 1955),wide receiver,(Laurel)
 * Quinton Meaders (born 1983), defensive back (Canadian Football League), (Tupelo)
 * DK Metcalf (born 1997), wide receiver, (Oxford)
 * Jim Miller (born 1957), punter, (Ripley)
 * Romaro Miller (born 1978), quarterback, (Shannon)
 * Freddie Milons (born 1980), wide receiver, (Starkville)
 * Gardner Minshew (born 1996), quarterback, (Brandon)
 * Jayme Mitchell (born 1984), defensive end, (Jackson)
 * Frank Molden (born 1942), defensive tackle, (Moss Point)
 * Cleo Montgomery (born 1956), wide receiver, (Greenville)
 * Wilbert Montgomery (born 1954), running back, (Greenville)
 * Stevon Moore (born 1967), safety, (Wiggins)
 * Melvin Morgan (born 1953), defensive back, (Gulfport)
 * Eric Moulds (born 1973), wide receiver, (Lucedale)
 * Michael Myers (born 1976), defensive tackle, (Vicksburg)
 * John Nix (born 1976), defensive lineman (arena football), (Lucedale)
 * Jerious Norwood (born 1983), running back, (Jackson)
 * Kevin Norwood (born 1989), wide receiver, (Biloxi)
 * Freddie Joe Nunn (born 1962), defensive end/linebacker, (Noxubee County)
 * Michael Oher (born 1986), offensive tackle, (Oxford)
 * Will Overstreet (born 1979), linebacker, (Jackson)
 * Joe Owens (1946–2013), defensive end, (Columbia)
 * Eddie Payton (born 1951), running back, (Columbia)
 * Walter Payton (1954–1999), half back, (Columbia)
 * Derek Pegues (born 1986), safety, (Batesville)
 * Ray Perkins (1941–2020), wide receiver/coach (Petal)
 * Marlo Perry (born 1972), linebacker, (Forest)
 * Vernon Perry (born 1953), cornerback, (Jackson)
 * Stephen Peterman (born 1982), offensive guard, (Gulfport)
 * Danny Pierce (born 1948), running back, (Laurel)
 * Lawrence Pillers (born 1952), defensive end, (Hazelhurst)
 * Todd Pinkston (born 1977), wide receiver, (Forest)
 * Clinton Portis (born 1981), running back, (Laurel)
 * Jeff Posey (born 1975), linebacker, (Bassfield)
 * Clyde Powers (born 1951), safety, (Pascagoula)
 * Glover Quin (born 1986), cornerback, (McComb)
 * Eddie Ray (born 1947), running back, (Vicksburg)
 * Oscar Reed (born 1944), running back, (Jonestown)
 * Johnny Rembert (born 1961), linebacker, (Hollandale)
 * Will Renfro (1932–2010), offensive tackle, (Batesville)
 * Jerry Rice (born 1962), wide receiver, (Starkville)
 * Bobby Richards (born 1938), defensive linemen, (Columbus)
 * Gloster Richardson (1942–2020), wide receiver, (Greenville)
 * Willie Richardson (1939–2016), wide receiver, (Clarksdale)
 * Stevan Ridley (born 1989), running back, (Natchez)
 * Dwayne Rudd (born 1976), linebacker, (Batesville)
 * Tyrone Rush (born 1971), running back, (Meridian)
 * Jamarca Sanford (born 1985), safety, (Batesville)
 * John Sawyer (born 1953), tight end, (Brookhaven)
 * Cedric Scott (born 1977), defensive tackle (Canadian Football League), (Gulfport)
 * Billy Shaw (born 1938), offensive guard, (Natchez)
 * Harold Shaw (born 1974), fullback and occasional linebacker, (Magee)
 * Derek Sherrod (born 1989), offensive tackle, (Caledonia)
 * Billy Shields (born 1953), tackle, (Vicksburg)
 * Kendall Simmons (born 1979), guard, (Ripley)
 * Terrance Simmons (born 1976), defensive tackle, (Moss Point)
 * Eugene Sims (born 1986), defensive end, (Mize)
 * Jackie Slater (born 1954), offensive tackle, (Jackson)
 * Aldon Smith (born 1989), outside linebacker, (Greenwood)
 * Jackie Smith (born 1940), tight end, (Columbia)
 * Jimmy Smith (born 1969), wide receiver, (Jackson)
 * Noland Smith (born 1943), wide receiver/return specialist, (Jackson)
 * Bradley Sowell (born 1989), offensive tackle, (Hernando)
 * Armegis Spearman (born 1978), linebacker, (Oxford)
 * Chris Spencer (born 1982), center, (Madison)
 * Irving Spikes (born 1970), running back, (Ocean Springs)
 * Billy Stacy (1936–2019), safety, (Drew)
 * Thomas Strauthers (born 1961), defensive lineman, (Wesson)
 * Diron Talbert (born 1944), defensive tackle, (Pascagoula)
 * Don Talbert (born 1939), offensive tackle, (Louisville)
 * Malcolm Taylor (born 1960), defensive end, (Crystal Springs)
 * Daryl Terrell (born 1975), offensive lineman, (Vossburg)
 * Fred Thomas (born 1973), cornerback, (Bruce)
 * Norris Thomas (born 1954), cornerback, (Inverness)
 * Sarah Thomas (born 1973), NFL official, (Pascagoula)
 * Eric Tillman (born c. 1957), general manager of the Canadian Football League, (Jackson)
 * Lewis Tillman (born 1966), running back, (Hazlehurst)
 * Billy Tohill (1939–2000), head coach, (Batesville)
 * Willie Totten (born 1962), head coach, (Leflore County)
 * Deshea Townsend (born 1975), cornerback, (Batesville)
 * Bill Triplett (born 1940), running back, (Shaw)
 * Billy Truax (born 1943), tight end, (Gulfport)
 * Jim Urbanek (1945–2009), defensive tackle, (Oxford)
 * Gerald Vaughn (born 1970), defensive back (Canadian Football League), (Abbeville)
 * Jim Walden (born c. 1938), head coach, (Aberdeen)
 * Kenyatta Walker (born 1979), offensive tackle, (Meridian)
 * Gavin Walls (born 1980), defensive end (Canadian Football League), (Ripley)
 * Wesley Walls (born 1966), tight end, (Batesville)
 * Tom Walters (born 1942), safety, (Petal)
 * Chris Washington (born 1962), linebacker, (Jackson)
 * Swayze Waters (born 1987), kicker, (Jackson)
 * Kendell Watkins (born 1973), tight end, (Jackson)
 * Willie West (born 1938), defensive back, (Lexington)
 * Chris White (born 1983), guard, (Winona)
 * Larry Whigham (born 1972), cornerback, (Hattiesburg)
 * Ben Williams (1954–2020), defensive lineman, (Yazoo City)
 * Grant Williams (born 1974), offensive tackle, (Hattiesburg)
 * Greg Williams (born 1959), safety, (Greenville)
 * John Williams (1945–2012), offensive lineman, (Jackson)
 * Sammy Williams (born 1974), offensive tackle, (Magnolia)
 * Odell Willis (born 1984), defensive lineman (American and Canadian Football Leagues), (Meridian)
 * Damien Wilson (born 1993), linebacker, (Gloster)
 * Sammy Winder (born 1959), running back, (Madison)
 * Mike Withycombe (born 1964), guard, (Meridian)
 * Otis Wonsley (born 1957), running back, (Pascagoula)
 * Lee Woodruff (1909–1947), running back, (Batesville)
 * Keith Woodside (born 1964), running back, (Natchez)
 * Abe Woodson (1934–2014), cornerback/kick returner, (Jackson)
 * Marv Woodson (born 1941), defensive back, (Hattiesburg)
 * Floyd Womack (born 1978), offensive tackle, (Cleveland)
 * Cornelius Wortham (born 1982), linebacker, (Calhoun City)
 * K. J. Wright (born 1989), linebacker, (Olive Branch)
 * Ellis Wyms (born 1979), defensive lineman, (Indianola)

Other sports

 * Fletcher Abram (born 1950), Olympic handball player, (Cary)
 * Trey Alexander (born 1983), professional soccer midfielder, (Meridian)
 * Henry Armstrong (1912–1988), professional boxer, (Columbus)
 * Lisa Aukland (born 1957), professional bodybuilder and powerlifter
 * Earl W. Bascom (1906–1995), rodeo, (Columbia)
 * Ralph Boston (born 1939), Olympic long jumper, (Laurel)
 * Tori Bowie (born 1990), Olympic and world champion sprinter, (Sand Hill)
 * Devin Britton (born 1991), tennis player, (Jackson)
 * Lee Calhoun (1933–1989), Olympic track athlete and college track coach, (Laurel)
 * Shelby Cannon (born 1966), professional tennis player, (Hattiesburg)
 * Commodore Cochran (1902–1969), Olympic track athlete
 * Roy Cochran (1919–1981), Olympic track athlete, (Richton)
 * Floyd Cummings (born 1949), heavyweight boxer
 * Tony Dees (born 1963), Olympic hurdler, (Pascagoula)
 * Craig Demmin (born 1971), soccer defender
 * Ted DiBiase (born 1954), professional wrestler, (Clinton)
 * Ted DiBiase Jr. (born 1982), professional wrestler, (Clinton)
 * Brett DiBiase (born 1988), Professional wrestler, (Clinton)
 * Barbara Ferrell (born 1947), Olympic track athlete, (Hattiesburg)
 * Jim Gallagher Jr. (born 1961), professional golfer, (Greenwood)
 * Bobby Hamilton (1957–2007), NASCAR driver, (Columbia)
 * James Harris (1950–2020), professional wrestler. "Kamala The Ugandan Giant," (Senatobia)
 * Otis Harris (born 1982), Olympic track and field athlete, (Edwards)
 * Jimmy Hart (born 1944), professional wrestling manager, (Jackson)
 * Josh Hayes (born 1975), professional motorcycle roadracer, (Gulfport)
 * Floyd Heard (born 1966), track and field sprinter, (West Point)
 * Leroy Jones (1950–2010), professional boxer, (Meridian)
 * Sam Kendricks (born 1992), Olympic pole vaulter, (Oxford)
 * Bianca Knight (born 1989), Olympic track and field athlete, (Ridgeland)
 * Iris Kyle (born 1974), 10-time overall Ms. Olympia professional bodybuilder
 * Justin Mapp (born 1984), professional soccer player, (Brandon)
 * Cory McGee (born 1992), Olympian, track and field middle-distance runner, (Pass Christian)
 * Kennedy McKinney (born 1966), professional boxer, (Hernando)
 * Coby Miller (born 1976), track and field athlete, (Ackerman)
 * Savante Stringfellow (born 1978), Olympic long jumper (Jackson)
 * Mary Mills (born 1940), professional golfer, (Laurel)
 * Larry Myricks (born 1956), Olympic long jumper, (Clinton)
 * Terri O'Connell, motorsports racer, (Corinth)
 * Mathieu Olivier (born 1997), ice hockey player, (Biloxi)
 * Cliff Pace (born 1980), professional fisherman, (Petal, Mississippi)
 * Reed Pierce (born 1963), professional pool player, (Jackson)
 * Brittney Reese (born 1986), Olympic long jumper, (Gulfport)
 * Jeremiah Riggs (born 1982), professional wrestler (Vicksburg)
 * Kevin Robertson (born 1959), Olympic water polo player, (Biloxi)
 * Chris Shivers (born 1978), professional bull rider, (Natchez)
 * Calvin Smith (born 1961), Olympic sprinter, (Bolton)
 * Lake Speed (born 1948), NASCAR driver, (Jackson)
 * Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (born 1987), stock car driver, (Olive Branch)
 * Dallas Stewart (born 1959), thoroughbred horse trainer, (McComb)
 * Ernie Terrell (1939–2014), former WBA heavyweight boxing champion, (Belzoni)
 * Charles Walker (born 1934), checkers champion and minister, (Petal)
 * Herb Washington (born 1951), sprinter/pinch runner, (Belzoni)

Broadcast media personalities

 * Red Barber (1908–1992), sportscaster, (Columbus)
 * Ron Franklin (born 1942), ESPN sportscaster, (Jackson)