USM Defensive Back Senior Football Player MJ Daniels Killed Off-Campus

The University of Southern Mississippi is mourning the loss of the Golden Eagles defensive cornerback Marcus “MJ” Daniels.

Daniels was fatally shot Tuesday night off-campus. It’s reported that the incident occurred at the Ivy Row apartment complex in Hattiesburg. Daniels was found inside his parked vehicle outside the apartments in the 6300 Block of Highway 49. The USM defensive back senior was just 21 years old.

“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,” USM said in a statement. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”

Daniels’ collegiate football career with Southern Mississippi included 29 tackles that included 19 solo and nine assists, as well as three interceptions, and two fumbles last season in the 12 games he played. It was his sole season with the Golden Eagles after transferring from the University of Mississippi. He previously played on the Ole Miss football team in 2021 and 2022.

At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, the senior was expected to be a starter for the Golden Eagles again.Teammates and classmates are encouraged to seek guidance counseling services made available at USM to help cope with the sudden loss.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of MJ Daniels,” Southern Miss coach Will Hall wrote on X. “His smile was infectious and lit up the room. Please keep MJ’s loved ones and our Southern Miss family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Hattiesburg Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to come forward.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Daniels family,” Police Chief Hardy Sims said in a statement. “We are doing all that we can to locate the perpetrators to bring justice to the victim and his family. We will share as much information as possible without jeopardizing the investigation. We are working closely with the university and local officials.”