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

Eli Manning, Quarterback - 2004-19

Like his father, Archie Manning, Eli played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels. In a controversial draft, Eli Manning was selected by the San Diego Chargers as the first overall pick, who then traded Eli to the New York Giants during the draft.

The Giants became NFL East champions when Eli finally took the starter job in his second season. However, Eli's most significant achievement was winning two Super Bowls with the team as an underdog. In 2007 and 2011, Eli helped the team win both Super Bowl finals, with the famous 2007 win over the undefeated New England Patriots. Eli won the MVP in both appearances in the Super Bowl.

Eli still holds the record for most post-season passing completions (106) and passing yards (1,219) during the 2011 season. The past Ole Miss quarterback also made 4 Pro Bowls and is third in all-time most consecutive starts by an NFL quarterback with 210.

He currently holds the Giants franchise records in over 20 stats, including career passing yards (57, 023), career passing touchdowns (366), and most 300-yard passing games (366).

Eli still plays an integral part in the Ole Miss Program, hosting events alongside the Grove Collective. His No.10 jersey, which he had worn when he played for the Rebels, was retired in 2021. Eli is one of four players to have numbers retired, with one of the other former players his father's No.18 jersey.