The word “roast” can bring thoughts of fullness to our stomachs, but Jackie Sherrill’s roast is sure to bring fullness to the hearts of all colleagues and friends involved.
Jackie Sherrill, Biloxi, Mississippi native and the winningest coach in Mississippi State University football history, will be the center of a live roast tonight.
The roast will gather friends and colleagues at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. 
Rick Cleveland, executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, explains in layman’s terms what a roast is.
“A roast, in general terms, is when a celebrity agrees to be the butt of jokes from friends and colleagues,” Cleveland said.
The concept of having a roast is fairly new and was implemented as a fundraising idea.
“We instituted the roast concept as a fund raiser for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 2012,” Cleveland said.
Sherrill’s roast will serve as the third roasting event.
“2012 was my first year as executive director. This will be our third,” Cleveland said.
Selection for the roast entailed looking for a candidate who could match up to expectations. 
“Jackie was selected on the basis that we thought he would be a great draw, and that has proven to be true,” Cleveland said.
Sherrill’s reputation as the winningest coach in State history leaves him as a staple in the hearts of many MSU fans and alumni.
“He is the winningest coach in Mississippi State football history and remains immensely popular among State fans and alums,” Cleveland said.
People in attendance will be able to eat and socialize before the actual roast begins.
Once people have eaten, the roast will begin,” Cleveland said.
There are six roasters on the roster who range from Sherrill’s past players as well as colleagues.
“Each of the six roasters will have about five minutes to talk about Jackie,” Cleveland said.
Sherrill will have an opportunity to do his own roasting once the roasting session is completed.
“When they have finished Jackie then gets his rebuttal and can talk about any or all of them,” Cleveland said.
Cleveland believes Sherrill is excited about his night in the hot seat.
“I think Jackie is really looking forward to this. It gives him another opportunity to be with his former players and lots of friends,” Cleveland said.