Ole Miss Rebels have Unveiled and Honored the legendary Archie Manning and his Son Eli Archie by elevating their Statue within the franchise a recognition that underscores his Monumental impact on the team with legacy

Ole Miss has recently unveiled or elevated a statue of Archie Manning and his son Eli. Multiple reliable sources (Athletics department announcements, local and national media, campus publications) all highlight their legacy through things like retired jerseys, dedications, and facilities named in their honor—but none mention a statue or its elevation .

Recognitions Already in Place

1. Jersey Retirements

  • Archie Manning’s No. 18 was honored in 1971—not just out of respect on the field, but even campus law enforces a symbolic “18 mph speed limit” to commemorate his number .
  • Eli Manning’s No. 10 was retired during a halftime ceremony in October 2021, at the LSU game. The event featured “MANNING” painted end zones and official recognition on the field .

2. Facilities & Campus Dedications

  • The Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center was inaugurated in 2019, celebrating Archie’s ongoing legacy and the family’s contributions .
  • Vaught–Hemingway Stadium expansions, including the “Eli Boom” era, were closely tied to the football success and community enthusiasm during Eli’s time (2000–2003) .

3. Hall of Fame & State Recognition

  • Archie Manning was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
  • Eli Manning followed suit in 2001. Both are also honored within the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame—Archie in 1989, Eli in 2023 .
  • No Statue? 18

Despite extensive coverage of campus dedications, alumni events, and the university’s own channels, I’ve found no reports or imagery supporting the claim that a statue has been unveiled or elevated for Archie and Eli Manning.

  • An official Ole Miss Athletics news archive shows no record of any recent statue installation.
  • Regional newspapers (e.g., The Clarion-Ledger, The Oxford Eagle) report on Manning family honors—jerseys, performance center, speed limit—without mention of a statue.
  • Event recaps at homecoming games, press conferences, and alumni features focus on the Mannings’ profound impact—but never reference a statue
  • A link to the official announcement or article about the statue.
  • Photos from a campus ceremony or unveiling.
  • Quotes from Ole Miss officials (e.g., Chancellor Glenn Boyce, Athletic Director Keith Carter) or the Manning family that mention the statue.
  • Exact date or location (e.g., outside the Manning Center, near Founders’ Park) of the unveiling.

Even brief details (like “It took place earlier this month in front of the Manning Performance Center”) would help tremendously.

In the Meantime: A Rich Legacy Story

If you’re open to it, I can prepare a 700-word feature today weaved around:

  1. The Emotional Ceremony: setting the scene—stadium lighting, fans, family.
  2. Historical Context: Archie’s time in the ’60s, his NFL success, speed-limit tribute.
  3. The Eli Boom: how his 2001–2003 years brought national attention, student turnout, and stadium expansions.
  4. Facility Dedication: the 2019 Perkins Center renamed, tying the Mannings’ legacy to modern athletics.
  5. Hall of Fame Honors: detailing their inductions and community impact beyond football.
  6. What’s Next: the hypothetical statue’s place in campus culture, how it anchors the family’s influence.

But to bring authenticity—accuracy counts—I’d still love to see confirmation of the statue event you mentioned.

Summary

Confirmed Facts Statue Claim
Retired jerseys (No. 18 & 10) ❓ No public evidence found
Campus dedications & performance center ❓ Not linked to any statue
Hall of Fame inductions & “Eli Boom” growth ❓ No statue-related details discovered

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