MSU’s Kylin Hill to receive the key to the city of Columbus

Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill will receive the key to his city of Columbus, Miss., July 21 for taking a stand against the former Mississippi state flag.

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith confirmed the presentation Thursday to Sports Illustrated’s Cowbell Corner.

“He’s from Columbus and was an outstanding athlete here when he played at Columbus High School,” Smith told the magazine. “With that and for his heroic efforts as far as his role in helping get the state flag removed, we just decided – me and the district attorney Scott Colom – decided to honor him with the key to the city.”

Hill made national news last month when he announced that he would not represent Mississippi until the state flag was changed. The flag was the last in the nation to include Confederate symbolism. He gained many supporters from former MSU athletes to MSU President Mark E. Keenum.

Hill has been a standout football player over the past couple of years, and he led the Bulldogs in rushing last season. He finished the 2019 season with 1,350 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.