Officials with the Boys and Girls Club confirmed Tuesday evening that NFL running back Deuce McAllister will speak at its Celebration of Excellence in Meridian Thursday.

The late Steve McNair was originally scheduled to headline the club's largest fundraiser of the year. McNair was found shot to death Saturday in Nashville.

McAllister, of Morton, Miss., starred with the New Orleans Saints and Ole Miss Rebels.

The Celebration of Excellence starts July 9 at 6 p.m. at the Frank Cochran Center. Tickets are $100.