Ole Miss to Erect Statue of Football Legend Archie Manning on Campus

The University of Mississippi announced it will install a statue of Archie Manning outside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, further recognizing the legendary football player’s impact on the school and college football history. The statue will be located south of the stadium and near the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center, the Ole Miss Athletics Department said Monday.

Designed in collaboration with sculptor Dr. Kim Sessums, the statue will be surrounded by campus roads featuring speed signs honoring Manning and his son, Eli Manning. Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter praised Manning’s influence, stating he is one of Ole Miss’ most iconic figures and a role model for generations.

Manning, a native of Drew, Mississippi, played quarterback at Ole Miss for three seasons. He was a two-time All-SEC selection, an All-American, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1970. His No. 18 jersey was the first to be retired by Ole Miss. Manning also excelled in baseball, being drafted four times by Major League Baseball teams.

Drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL Draft, Manning played 11 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, earning two Pro Bowl selections and NFC Player of the Year honors in 1978. He also played for the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings, passing for nearly 24,000 yards and 125 touchdowns during his NFL career. Manning received numerous awards, including the NFL Man of the Year and the Spirit of Good Sports Award.

He and his wife, Olivia, have three sons, including Peyton Manning, a 1998 Walter Camp All-American at Tennessee, and Eli Manning, a two-time Second Team All-American at Ole Miss. Manning was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and was named ‘Father of the Year’ by the National Father’s Day Council in 2006. The Manning Award, created in his honor, recognizes the top college quarterback in the nation.

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