Willie Totten revolutionized the passing game as Mississippi Valley State’s legendary quarterback, turning the football field into his own personal orbit. Working alongside the iconic Jerry Rice, Totten shattered NCAA records and terrified opposing defenses with his precision and arm strength.
Football Bio
July 4, 1962 – LeFlore County, Mississippi – Willie Totten, Mississippi Valley State Quarterback from 1982 through 1985, was born.
In his National Football Foundation bio, Totten is described as “The Satellite.” Willie’s college career was definitely in outer orbit, as he is Division I-AA’s all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711) and in single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984).
He twice led the nation in passing efficiency. Five times in Totten’s career he passed for more than 530 yards in a single game, including a 599-yard performance in 1984 against Prairie View.
Wille’s favorite receiver, well, he is a guy by the name of Jerry Rice. Ever hear of him? These two teamed up to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Willie earned First Team All-America status in 1984 after leading the nation and setting the all-time single-season touchdown passes mark with 56 for all divisions of the nation’s colleges.
He had a brief professional career in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League, then returned to his studies, earning his master’s degree from Grambling before becoming the head football coach at his alma mater in 2001. The National Football Foundation selected Willie Totten for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Willie Totten cemented his legacy as a trailblazer who redefined the possibilities of offense in college football. He transformed Mississippi Valley State into an offensive powerhouse, etching his name alongside the all-time greats in the College Football Hall of Fame and forever changing the trajectory of the sport.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005.
- Black College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2014.
- Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2004.
- First-Team All-American: 1984.
- SWAC Player of the Year: 1984.
- 4× First-Team All-SWAC: 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985.
- NCAA Division I-AA Passing Leader: Set the all-time Division I-AA career touchdown passes record with 139.
- Single-Season Records: Threw 56 touchdown passes and 4,557 passing yards in 1984.
- Career Passing Yards: Ranks second in Division I-AA career passing yards with 12,711.
- Stadium Namesake: Magnolia Stadium at MVSU was renamed Rice-Totten Stadium in 1999 to honor him and Jerry Rice.
- Head Coaching Career: Served as head football coach for Mississippi Valley State from 2002 to 2009.