Mississippi State honors Mike Leach with awesome helmets

Oct 2, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach argues a call while playing against the Texas A&M Aggies in the third quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State on Monday will play in their first game since Mike Leach died, and the Bulldogs are honoring the late head coach with custom helmets.

Mississippi State replaced their usual block M school logo with a pirate flag and Leach’s initials. The team unveiled the helmets before they took on Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟. 𝑆𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑. #HailState pic.twitter.com/JdBOelqWcR

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) January 2, 2023

Leach famously loved pirates so much that some people called him “The Pirate.” He often used pirate symbols as motivational tools for his teams. His autobiography, which was published in 2011, is called “Swing Your Sword.”

Mississippi State rival Ole Miss also had a pirate-themed tribute for Leach in their bowl game last week.

Leach died last month due to complications related to a heart condition. He was 61. The Bulldogs should have plenty of motivation to honor him with a win on Monday.