MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Navy is officially listed as the away team at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, but for one star player, there will still be a home-field advantage.
More than 50 members of the Perry family will meet Tuesday at Wolfchase in order to make their way to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to cheer on Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry.
The Naval Academy senior grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee with military parents but his father was from Hardeman County.
“We’re all from the Bolivar, Tennessee, Whiteville, Hardeman County area,” cousin Sherri Perry said.
“All the Perrys I know in the greater area are going to the Liberty Bowl,” cousin Michele Perry said.
That includes Malcolm’s great uncle who served in the Navy and now watches his great nephew on the field for the Midshipmen. He and much of the family were there earlier this season when Perry threw a touchdown on the field against the Memphis Tigers.
But for cousin Michele Perry, who no longer lives in the Mid-South, this homecoming is extra special.
“He has accomplished so much that I can’t wait to see him live,” she said. “It’s around the holidays. Perfect. Everyone is off. We can come together to celebrate, just to see him play because he’s a humble kid.”
WREG even caught up with the quarterback as he’s getting ready for the big game.
“Super excited to be in Memphis,” Malcolm Perry said. “I’m from Tennessee. A lot of friends and family will be in attendance, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Family members said Perry has chosen to serve as a commissioned officer in the Marines after he finishes at the Naval Academy.
