Archie Manning will be headlining Delta State University’s inaugural “A Night of Champions” event.
Manning, who was born at the old Cleveland hospital on Delta State’s campus, will be joined by former Statesmen Hall of Famer Langston Rogers for a casual conversation. The event will occur on Thursday, August 1 at 6 p.m. in the Walter Sillers Coliseum.
Manning’s achievements include holding several Ole Miss records, earning the title of All-American, and having his jersey number (18) retired. The Drew native’s professional career spanned 12 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, followed by stints with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings, where he solidified his legacy as an NFL MVP and inaugural Saints Hall of Fame inductee.
The Mississippian’s football legacy continued as two of his sons, Peyton and Eli, went on to have stellar collegiate and professional careers of their own. Peyton was one of the most popular quarterbacks in the nation while at Tennessee and became a Heisman Trophy contestant ahead of winning two Super Bowls throughout his 18-year NFL career. Eli, on the other hand, followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Ole Miss where he led the Rebels to a 10-3 record and a Cotton Bowl victory in 2003. Like his older brother, Eli also won two Super Bowls — both against the legendary Tom Brady.
Rogers, a native of Calhoun City, is celebrated for his contributions both on and off the field. Rogers represented the Statesmen as a former Delta State baseball player under legendary coach Boo Ferriss. He later served as the sports information director (SID) for the university, covering the Lady Statesmen’s AIAW National Championships in the mid-1970s. His career continued at Ole Miss, where he garnered numerous accolades, including induction into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame and Mississippi Sports Writers Hall of Fame.
Archie Manning and Rogers became friends when the DSU alum was the SID at Ole Miss covering Eli Manning.
“Archie Manning was an immediate choice for our inaugural Night of Champions event. His childhood and high school years in the Mississippi Delta, his fondness for the people of our great state, and his family’s continued support of the collegiate student-athlete experience have made him a great role model for many years,” DSU Director of Athletics Mike Kinnison said. “We are appreciative that he and Langston Rogers will share their life lessons, college and professional playing experiences, and respected family values with our supporters.”
In addition to the conversation between the two sports icons, the event will feature an auction and VIP opportunities to meet the guests of honor. Ticket information will be available soon, according to the university.
Proceeds from “A Night of Champions” will directly support Delta State Athletics, funding scholarships, facility enhancements, academic support, staff supplements, and new program additions.
