By Nathan Duff

A special event featuring Mississippi football legend Archie Manning and Delta State Alumni and Athletics Hall of Famer, Langston Rogers will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Walter Sillers Coliseum.

Manning, a native of Drew, will headline the event, joining Rogers, a long-time friend of Delta State, for a casual conversation. 

Manning’s illustrious football career with Ole Miss earned him the honor of having his number 18 jersey retired, alongside his son Eli’s number 10. Manning’s achievements include holding several school records and earning the title of All-American. His professional career spanned 12 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, followed by stints with the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings, where he solidified his legacy as an NFL MVP and inaugural Saints Hall of Fame inductee.

Rogers, a native of Calhoun City who now lives in Panola County, is celebrated for his contributions both on and off the field. As a former baseball player for Delta State under legendary coach Boo Ferriss, Rogers later served as the Sports Information Director (SID) for the university, covering the Lady Statesmen’s AIAW National Championships in the mid-70’s. 

His career continued at Ole Miss Athletics, where he garnered numerous accolades, including induction into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame and Mississippi Sports Writers Hall of Fame.

Manning and Rogers have enjoyed a friendship that began when Rogers was the SID at Ole Miss covering two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning who played for the Rebels from 2000-03.

In addition to the conversation, the event will feature an auction and VIP opportunities to meet the guests of honor. 

Proceeds from A Night of Champions will directly support Delta State Athletics.

For more information call 662-846-4300 or dgeorge@deltastate.edu. To purchase tickets, visit gostatesmen.com.