OXFORD — Ahead of their historic first appearance in the College Football Playoff, Ole Miss football players received an inspiring visit from legendary quarterback Archie Manning. On December 19, Manning, who is celebrated as one of the best players in Ole Miss history and a father to NFL stars Cooper, Peyton, and Eli, spoke to the team during practice.
The Rebels, boasting an impressive 11-1 record, are set to play against Tulane (11-2) on December 20 at 2:30 p.m. CST, with the game broadcast on TNT. Manning approached the team not as a motivational speaker, but rather as a mentor, sharing a meaningful story from his son’s time in the NFL to emphasize teamwork and accountability.
He recounted a conversation with Peyton Manning about Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James, who was Peyton’s teammate with the Indianapolis Colts. Archie shared that when Peyton learned of James’ retirement, he described him as “the best teammate I ever had.” When Archie pressed for the reason behind this endorsement, Peyton simply responded, “Totally accountable.”
Manning stressed that the essence of being a great teammate doesn’t rely on accolades or individual talent. He remarked, “Everybody can’t make all-conference. Everyone is not going to be an All-American. Everyone is not going to be a first-round pick. But everyone can be a great teammate.” This message resonates profoundly as the Rebels prepare to embark on a pivotal moment in their football history.
The importance of accountability and teamwork highlighted by Manning serves as a powerful reminder for the Ole Miss players as they aim to make their mark in the College Football Playoff. As the team gears up for this significant matchup, the hopeful influence of a football icon like Archie Manning may well inspire them to achieve greatness together on the field.