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Eli Manning was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday alongside a host of the school's great athletes. The former New York Giants quarterback had his college career at Ole Miss from 1999 to 2003 before transitioning to the NFL as the first overall pick in 2004.
Following the induction event at the university campus, Eli Manning had an interview with 247Sports, where he expressed his excitement at the honor. He becomes the second inductee from his family following in the footsteps of his father who was inducted in the 1980s.
"It's a great honor. It's so good to be back in Mississippi," Manning said. "It was such a special part of my life with my time at Ole Miss and my parents being from Mississippi.
I grew up here, visiting, going to Ole Miss games, my grandparents are from Philadelphia ... This is an honor to be inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. My father was inducted years ago, but to come in with these inductees this weekend, it's been a lot of fun." (H/T 247Sports)
Eli Manning has no account of his father's induction
Archie Manning was inducted into the Mississippi State Hall of Fame many years ago following his illustrious career at the university. With Eli Manning getting the same honor this weekend, he was asked about the experience when his father got inducted but he had none to give.
“I was a little young when he got inducted, so I don't remember it," Manning said. "But we talked about it a little bit in the last few weeks when I've been around my Dad. It's been great to have him here this weekend, to reminisce and see some of his old friends.
It's been great for me also. Seen some old teammates, old buddies that went to school with me at Ole Miss. To see them and get to hang out a little bit. It's been a lot of fun.” (H/T 247Sports)
Eli Manning recorded 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdowns with 35 interceptions during his time at Ole Miss. He had his best season in his redshirt senior year in 2003, winning the Maxwell Trophy, John Unitas Golden Arm Award and SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Like his father Archie, Eli had had his No. 10 jersey retired by the Rebels following his brilliant career at the program. He maintained the momentum in the NFL, playing for the New York Giants for 16 seasons.
