Southern Miss head coach Blake Anderson garnered significant attention even before kickoff, donning a "Christ Is King" shirt that sparked overwhelmingly positive reactions on social media.



Southern Miss opened its football season Saturday with an impressive victory, but head coach Blake Anderson was making positive headlines even before kickoff when his faith-themed shirt drew attention on social media.

Anderson wore a long-sleeved shirt proclaiming “Christ Is King” during the team’s “Eagle Walk” to the stadium, sparking an overwhelmingly positive reaction on X/Twitter and other social media platforms, with fans applauding not only Anderson but also the school for allowing him to express his faith.

Southern Miss went on to defeat Alcorn State 49-3 in Anderson’s first regular game as the team’s head coach.

“I've had a bunch of people comment, and I'm pleased that it was noticed. I mean, the whole point of wearing it was for Christ to be glorified and it to be noticed,” Anderson said during a news conference.

“I'm super grateful for my bosses that allowed me to be religious [and] use my platform to share my faith. [That is] not probably an easy decision for an AD and a president. But, you know, those are my views. That's just me trying to use my platform.

“I’m so thankful and saved by grace [for the] opportunity and the position I'm in, because of God and just being blessed.”

Anderson acknowledged that he knew the public expression of his faith could draw criticism, although he said the response has been almost entirely positive.

“You never know what kind of response you're going to get. It's been 99 percent positive and a few negative, which is what I expected. I wasn't completely aware of just where it would go."

“But in my opinion, if it makes one person think, then it was worth it.”

Anderson previously served as head coach at Arkansas State from 2014-20 and Utah State from 2021-23, compiling a 74-54 record across the two programs. He led Arkansas State to two Sun Belt Conference championships and guided Utah State to an 11-win season and the Mountain West championship in 2021. Anderson also has ties to Southern Miss, having previously served on the Golden Eagles’ staff from 2008-11.

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