LOOK: Ole Miss honors Eli Manning with amazing field design
Ole Miss is going all out to honor Eli Manning, who’s #10 jersey will be retired in a ceremony this weekend when the Rebels take on LSU. In place of the traditional end zone design, the end zones now say “Manning” to honor the legacy of one of the best to come through Oxford
Eli Manning’s jersey retirement ceremony was originally planned for 2020, but limited capacity and other restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the plans back to 2021.
Eli Manning played at Ole Miss from 2000-2004, starting his final three seasons. In his time with the Rebels, Manning threw for 10,119 yards and 81 touchdowns, completing over 60% of his passes. He earned the Maxwell Award, was first-team All-SEC and SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2003 after throwing for 3600 yards and 29 touchdowns. Manning holds the Rebels’ all time records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. In addition, he is tied for first in the Rebels’ single season passing touchdown record and the single game record for passing touchdowns.
Eli Manning went on to play 16 seasons with the New York Giants. He helped lead the Giants to two Super Bowl rings, both over the New England Patriots, and won Super Bowl MVP in both appearances. He made four Pro Bowls, is a member of the Giants Ring of Honor and has his #10 jersey retired by the franchise. In his career, Manning threw for 57,023 yards and 366 touchdowns, to 244 interceptions. He finished his career with a 117-117 record in games he started.
The Manning name in the end zone could also serve as a recruiting effort for Eli’s nephew, Arch Manning, the top recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, who will be in attendance for his uncle’s jersey retirement ceremony. Arch Manning is a high priority target for Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and Co., and is likely the most talked about recruit in the country, despite still being a junior in high school.