Ole Miss Legend Charlie Conerly to Be Honored with Statue at National Football Stadium
June 8, 2025 – Oxford, MS– In a momentous tribute to one of college football’s all-time greats, the University of Mississippi and the National Football Hall of Fame announced today that a statue of legendary Ole Miss quarterback Charlie Conerly will be unveiled later this year at the National Football Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The commemoration marks a long-awaited honor for a player whose name is synonymous with Rebel football excellence and gridiron history.
Charlie Conerly, who played quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels in 1942 and then again in 1946–1947 after serving in World War II, is widely considered one of the most talented and pioneering quarterbacks in college football history. Known for his rifle arm, football IQ, and calm leadership under pressure, Conerly led the Rebels to some of their most memorable victories and set the foundation for Ole Miss’s rise to national prominence.
The announcement was made at a press conference held jointly by Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter and Hall of Fame President David Baker, both of whom emphasized Conerly’s importance not just to Ole Miss, but to the broader legacy of American football.
“Charlie Conerly wasn’t just a great Ole Miss Rebel — he was a transformative figure in college and professional football,” said Carter. “This statue is not just a monument to his athletic ability, but a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and the enduring spirit of the game.”
A Career Defined by Courage and Excellence
Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1921, Charlie Conerly starred at Ole Miss before putting his football career on hold to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Upon his return, he picked up right where he left off — leading the nation in passing yards in 1947 and earning All-America honors. That season, he also guided the Rebels to their first-ever Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship.
Conerly’s 1947 campaign remains one of the greatest single seasons in Ole Miss history. He threw for over 1,300 yards — a record at the time — and ran for 9 touchdowns, demonstrating a dual-threat capability rare in that era. His performance earned him national recognition, including a fourth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.
“Charlie was a pioneer in the quarterback position, particularly in how he read defenses and threw on the move,” said David Cutcliffe, former Ole Miss head coach and longtime quarterback mentor. “Without players like Conerly, the modern quarterback game wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Pro Success and Enduring Legacy
After college, Conerly went on to a distinguished NFL career with the New York Giants from 1948 to 1961. He was the 1948 NFL Rookie of the Year and later helped lead the Giants to the 1956 NFL Championship. Over his 14-year career, he was named to two Pro Bowls and was one of the early faces of televised football in America.
Off the field, Conerly also became a cultural icon, famously portraying the “Marlboro Man” in cigarette advertisements during the 1950s — one of the rare NFL players to break into mainstream advertising at the time.
Though he passed away in 1996, Conerly’s influence continues to be felt. The *Charlie Conerly Trophy*, awarded annually to the best college football player in the state of Mississippi, bears his name and continues to honor athletes who embody his excellence and character.
A Statue Worthy of a Titan
The statue of Charlie Conerly will be placed at the entrance to the National Football Stadium in Canton, near memorials for other gridiron legends like Johnny Unitas and Walter Payton. The statue, sculpted by renowned artist Blair Buswell, will depict Conerly in a classic throwing pose — mid-stride, eyes downfield, about to launch one of his trademark deep passes.
“Charlie Conerly belongs among the immortals of the game,” said Buswell. “This sculpture is meant to capture not just his physical grace, but the quiet determination that made him such a revered leader.”
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for November 2025 and will be attended by members of the Conerly family, former teammates, Ole Miss alumni, and football fans from across the country.
### Looking Ahead
As Ole Miss continues to celebrate its storied football tradition, honoring Charlie Conerly with a statue is a fitting tribute to a man who helped shape the sport at both the college and professional levels.
“Charlie represents the very best of what it means to be a Rebel,” said Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce. “His legacy is written in the record books, on the field, and now, forever in bronze.”
For generations of football fans, the image of Charlie Conerly standing tall at the gateway of the National Football Stadium will serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of a true American football legend.
