Greenville Mississippi celebrates

Quentin Groves Day

Written by Jeremy "J-Jack" Jackson

On a friday, I was able to meet up with Family that were visiting in nearby Mississippi. Little did I know, I would end up riding in a parade and not just any parade. It was a Parade to celebrate family also. Greenville, Mississippi was celebrating Quentin Groves Day, which was declared by Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons Monday April 17th. It was beautiful to see Greenville celebrate, as I was able to be there Friday and Saturday. I wasn't able to be there Sunday and Monday. Quentin Groves played college football at Auburn and later went on to play in the NFL from 2008, when he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars until 2015 when he ended his career with the Buffalo Bills. Groves was diagnosed with Wolfe-Parkinson-White Syndrome while undergoing tests. He had a surgical procedure called ablation. During the Draft, the Jaguars traded up in the second round, to draft Groves and he began his NFL Career.

He retired from the NFL and continued to work and help many in numerous communities. At Auburn, he was known as a sack specialist and was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronk Nagurski Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award watchlists for 2007. He finished tied for Auburn's career sack record, at 26. Mr. Quentin Groves passed away at the age of 32 after a massive heart attack but his legacy lives on and Greenville, Mississippi celebrated his life and career, accomplishments and community work as they presented Mr. Groves with his own day of Monday April 24th. As many stated his saying of "I Am Greenville", that he coined to help create awareness and pride, for the city and its residents. Greenville, Mississippi honored Quentin "Hot Sauce" Grove, with Honor and it was a pleasure to be included in his Parade. Special Thank You to Aunt Barbara and Uncle Bennie Groves for their continued fight and Hospitality!! Salute!!