National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning, one of the most cherished figures in the history of Ole Miss football and a 1989 inductee into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, was surprised Friday night with an announcement that the university will erect a statue honoring him outside the Manning Center on the Ole Miss campus. Manning learned of the news during a special dinner as part of Ole Miss' M-Club weekend, surrounded by former teammates, coaches and fellow letterwinners.
 
"Archie Manning represents everything that is good about the National Football Foundation," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "He is a tremendous leader, a man of great character and someone who has dedicated his life to making a difference for others. I was honored to ask Archie to serve as NFF Chairman following Ron Johnson, and he has been an extraordinary partner and leader ever since. This statue is a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to Ole Miss, the NFF and college football, and I couldn't be happier for Archie and his family on this well-deserved honor."
 
Manning has been a leader of the NFF for more than three decades. He joined the NFF Board of Directors in 1993, four years after his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and he has served as chairman of the board since 2007. During his tenure, the NFF has achieved numerous milestones, including the construction of the $68 million, state-of-the-art College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

A native of Drew, Mississippi, Manning starred at quarterback for the Rebels from 1968 to 1970 under legendary NFF College Football Hall of Fame Coach Johnny Vaught, closing out his career with a then-school-record 56 touchdowns and 5,576 yards of total offense. Manning finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1970 before being selected No. 2 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1971 NFL Draft.
 
The statue adds to Manning's enduring connection to the Ole Miss campus. The football program trains in the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center, a street on campus bears the name "Manning Way," and the campus speed limit is famously set at 18 miles per hour, a nod to the number Manning wore during his playing days.

"Archie Manning is one of the most iconic figures in the history of Ole Miss and a person whose impact extends far beyond the football field," said Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter in a statement. "His legacy as an Ole Miss Rebel, a leader, and a role model inspired generations of student-athletes, alumni, and fans. We are proud to honor Archie with a statue on our campus, where his remarkable story began, and to create a lasting tribute that will remind future generations of what he has meant to Ole Miss and to our entire university community."

The statue will be erected in conjunction with sculptor Dr. Kim Sessums south of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and north of the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center. Further details on the statue, including its unveiling date, will be shared in the coming days.