Which Past Ole Miss Football Players Had the Greatest NFL Careers?

We have seen some long and accomplished NFL careers from past Ole Miss Football players. Which past Rebel players have had the best NFL Careers?

Charlie Conerly, Quarterback - 1948-61

A true Mississippi great, Charlie Conerly had a successful 14-year NFL career with the New York Giants. The Giants were not Conerly's first NFL team, with Washington drafting him at the 1945 draft. However, he never suited up for the team that drafted him in the 13th round.

In his time in New York, Conerly helped guide the team to three NFL Championship games in four seasons from 1956-1959. The Giants faced the Chicago Bears in their first championship game, beating them 47-7. Conerly threw two touchdown passes in the second half of the game.

The past Ole Miss player won the NFL MVP - NEA award and was Second-team All-Pro in 1959. Another personal award Conerly won was the NFL "Rookie of the Year" in 1948, and also made two Pro Bowls in 1950 and 1956. During his time in the NFL, he earned the nickname "Chucking Charlie Conerly."

As of 2024, Conerly ranks third in career passing yards with the Giants, behind Phil Simms and past Ole Miss QB Eli Manning. Conerly's name sits in the Giants Ring of Honour, with the team also retiring his number 42 jersey.

His name is still a big part of Mississippi, with the Conerly Trophy awarded annually to the best college football player in the state. All his honors and stats were close to not being achieved, with Conerly joining the U.S. Marine Corps and seeing action in the Battle of Guam, where he nearly lost his life.