The Mount Rushmore of Ole Miss Football

#2: Eli Manning, Quarterback (2000-2003)

Eli Manning, son of Rebel great, Archie Manning, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his four-year career at Ole Miss, Eli set or tied 47 Ole Miss single-game, season, or career records. He finished his career with 10,119 career passing yards and 81 passing TDs, good for 5th and 3rd best in SEC history.

During his senior season, Eli led the Rebels to a 10-3 season that was capped with a Cotton Bowl win. Eli won the Maxwell Award for the nation’s best player. Though he would finish third in the Heisman voting that year, Eli earned plenty of other notable awards:

Collegiate Awards

Conerly Trophy for best player in Mississippi
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award for the nation’s top quarterback.
SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
SEC Player of the Year
1st Team All-America
1st All-SEC

Professional Career

Eli was the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Although chosen by the San Diego Chargers, he was traded immediately to the New York Giants, where he still plays today. He is a two-time Super Bowl MVP and a three-time Pro-Bowl selection.

Although Eli set many records–some of which he still holds–he is not sitting at the very top of our list–that honor goes to his dad, Archie.