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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Manning-Willis Day to Highlight 2008 Red-Blue Weekend
3/31/2008 | Football
“This is a great opportunity for us to recognize two of Ole Miss’ finest and to show our appreciation to Eli and Patrick for their success this year and the positive way they continue to represent the University,” said Athletics Director Pete Boone. “They are great role models and a tremendous example for young people everywhere.”
"Eli Manning and Patrick Willis are two of the
Manning and Willis will be involved in several public activities, beginning at 10:45 a.m. when they join new Ole Miss head football coach Houston Nutt and members of the 2008 Rebels during the traditional march down the Walk of Champions.
Following the Walk of Champions, a program on the Grove Stage will take place at 11:00 as Manning and Willis are recognized for their contributions to Ole Miss and congratulated for their accomplishments during the recent NFL season. Oxford Mayor Richard Howorth will present the honorees with a proclamation declaring it Eli Manning-Patrick Willis Day, while resolutions from the Mississippi Senate will be presented to commend and congratulate Manning and Willis.
A portion of the Grove Stage program will be devoted to having Manning and Willis reflect on “Life in the NFL,” which will be moderated by the “Voice of the Rebels” David Kellum.
Both players will also be recognized during pregame ceremonies of the Red-Blue “Grove Bowl” game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. They will also be involved in pregame ceremonies of the Ole Miss-LSU baseball game by throwing out the first pitch. The Rebels and Tigers are scheduled for 4 p.m. at Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Field.
Manning capped off the 2007 NFL season by leading the New York Giants to one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history with a 17-14 victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. Manning’s performance, which included a 12-play, 83-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes, earned him Super Bowl XLII Most Valuable Player honors.
As a rookie linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, Willis was named 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by The Associated Press, earned All-Pro honors and participated in the Pro Bowl after leading the NFL in tackles with 226, including 143 solo hits.
Manning and Willis, who played one year (2003) together as Rebels, enjoyed All-America careers during their days at Ole Miss.
Manning set 47 school records, many held at one time by his father, Archie, and led the Rebels to an Independence Bowl victory over
Willis, the 11th overall selection of the 2007 draft, became the most decorated defensive player in Ole Miss football history and was a consensus All-American in 2006 when he won the Butkus Award and Lambert Trophy as the nation’s best linebacker. He twice led the Southeastern Conference in tackles and was selected to the most first team All-American squads (13) ever by a Rebel player in a single season.
General admission tickets for the Red-Blue game, which is sponsored by the M-Club Alumni Chapter, cost $10 and Ole Miss students are admitted free upon presentation of their I.D. card. Red-Blue tickets have already been mailed to 2007 football season ticket holders. Proceeds from the “Grove Bowl” help fund the Wobble Davidson Scholarship Fund. Advance tickets are on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in the C. M. “Tad” Smith Coliseum and will be sold by members of the M-Club in the Grove and around the stadium on game day.
The Chucky Mullins Courage Award Banquet will be held April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Indoor Practice Facility. Attendees to this year’s banquet will be addressed by Coach Nutt and will see excerpts of the award-winning documentary “Undefeated: The Chucky Mullins Story.”
Standing-room-only tickets are still available for the Ole Miss-LSU baseball game at $5 for adults and $3 for high school age and under.
Ole Miss will also be hosting an all-day track meet on April 12, with tickets on sale at the track stadium for $5 for adults and $3 for high school age and under.
The Ole Miss men’s tennis team will also be hosting arch-rival
