An Epochal Open Letter from Archie Manning to the Ole Miss Rebels Football Team, Fans, and the Rebel Community
Dear Ole Miss family,
As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with gratitude, reflection, and a great deal of pride. Today, I’d like to express my profound gratitude to the University of Mississippi—my beloved Ole Miss—the Rebels football program, the great fans, and the entire Rebel community for their unwavering support throughout my life and professional career. This is more than simply a thank you. It’s a dedication to the people, location, and spirit that helped define me.
My adventure began in the heart of Mississippi, and from the moment I stepped into Oxford’s campus, I knew I was part of something extraordinary. Ole Miss provided me more than just a shirt and a position; it also gave me a home. A place to develop, lead, fail, rise, and dream. The opportunity to wear red and blue was a gift that would transform my life forever.
Thank you to the Ole Miss football program, coaches, and staff for developing me not just as a quarterback, but also as a man. The lessons I learnt on the field extended well beyond touchdowns and playbooks. They taught me perseverance, teamwork, and character. Those principles have remained with me long after the final whistle blew. I will always love the friendship we formed and the tradition we helped establish.
To the players I had the opportunity to play with—you were my brothers on the pitch, and your passion and dedication inspired me to be the greatest version of myself. We built a foundation for future generations, and I’m proud of every moment we had together, both in success and in adversity.
To the Rebel fans: what an incredible group you are. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and unwavering support for this team are what make Ole Miss football the beating heart of our town. Whether we were playing under the Saturday night lights at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium or on the road, you never wavered. You supported us, cheered for us, and reminded us of why we were playing. Your voices rang across the seasons, providing a source of strength.
And to the people of Oxford and the larger Ole Miss community, you’ve provided me with more than simply support. You’ve given me a lifetime of memories, long-lasting friendships, and a strong sense of self that I take great delight in. You helped develop a young man from Drew, Mississippi into someone who could dream greater, aspire higher, and believe more deeply.
My connection to Ole Miss has remained strong over the years. It lives on in my family, in the Rebels’ legacy, and on every autumn Saturday when the traditional fight song plays. I am honoured to be a part of this rich history and to continue to support this university that has given me so much.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Forever a rebel,
Archie Manning Quarterback, Class of 1971.
Ole Miss Rebels