Mississippi is a southern state of the United States. It is considered part of the Deep South. The state takes its name from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary. Famous Mississippians include Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, authors William Faulkner, John Grisham, Walker Percy, Tennessee Williams, and Eudora Welty, and the entertainer Elvis Presley. Famous football stars include: Walter Payton, Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Archie Manning, and Steve McNair. Also, former Senate Majority Leader and current Senate Minority Whip C. Trent Lott, Sr..