By Ian Sparks 

Eagle intern

 

Former Ole Miss football standout KD Hill returned to Oxford on Saturday for his annual KD’s Fun Day. This was the second installment of such a day since Hill’s senior year with the Rebels.

“This is my second home,” Hill said. “I was here for five years and I wanted to leave a legacy here that goes beyond football.”

The event was held on Saturday at Avent Park. Children were treated to free hamburgers and hotdogs and free bags of books. There was face painting, a large, blowup obstacle course, and even Lane Kiffin’s dog Juice greeted everyone.

Many will remember Hill’s stellar play as a defensive lineman for the Rebels, but his life has taken on a different purpose since he last suited up in red and blue. 

Hill’s football career was derailed by a tragic accident nearly a year ago. The accident saw Hill losing his right leg below the knee and thus ending any football prospects. 

Hill’s determination and his unbreakable spirit have shown that even through the toughest adversity, there is always a way forward. Since then, he has continued to recover by working through his foundation. 

“I’m more than just a football player,” Hill said. “I wasn’t able to do this event last year because of my accident which makes this one even better. It’s about showing the kids that adversity is not meant to harm you, but to prosper you and show you things you never knew you had inside.” 

During his time at Ole Miss, Hill was a regular at the Oxford Housing Authority where he would spend time with the children who lived in that community. 

The former Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner just had his first KD’s Fun Day in his hometown of Union Springs, AL, and has many more events planned there and in Oxford.