.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
Former Ole Miss student-athletes can be found across the country, and even the world, proving successful in many areas of business, education, athletics, medicine, law, and the list goes on. Those who have donned the Red and Blue for the gridiron Rebels include recently retired University of Mississippi Chancellor Dr. Robert C. Khayat; NCIS special agent James Reed; renowned Johns Hopkins professor and physician Alan Partin; former NFL star, national spokesman and football analyst Archie Manning; and many others, some of whom may be lesser known, but no less important in their communities and workplaces.
Here is what some notable Rebel alums have to say about their experience with the Ole Miss football team and the University of Mississippi:
"The friendships I made and the lessons I learned as a member of the Ole Miss football team shaped my life more than any other. Being a member of a team is a privilege that enables a person to establish relationships that last for a lifetime. The lessons learned in competing, winning and losing through football are invaluable. Perhaps the most important lesson is that the play clock continues to run, and the football will be snapped at 30-second intervals. Each player has three choices: (1) to play, (2) to be trampled, or (3) to get off the field. That football rule is also a life rule, and if we are going to make a difference, we must choose to participate."
- Dr. Robert C. Khayat
Chancellor, University of Mississippi (1995-2009)
"I am very proud to be associated with Ole Miss. I had a wonderful time my four-and-a-half years there. I'm most grateful for the friends I made and the relationships that were built with my coaches, teachers, the students and the family of Ole Miss. If I could do it over, I would choose (Ole Miss) again 100 times. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life."
- Eli Manning
Pro Bowl Quarterback, New York Giants; 2008 Super Bowl MVP
"I am very grateful for my experience at Ole Miss. The pros are not promised to anyone, but a great education and life-long friendships will truly last."
- Deuce McAllister
3-time Pro Bowl Running Back; entrepreneur
"I will always be indebted to Ole Miss. The University and the Ole Miss family have provided me opportunities and experiences beyond my expectations. It was an honor and pleasure to represent this University - on and off the field. Most importantly, the lessons I learned in preparation, perseverance and execution are the tools that have directly contributed to my successes as an attorney. Thank you, Ole Miss, for allowing me to be a part of something special."
- Jesse Mitchell
Attorney in Jackson, Miss.
"My time at Ole Miss from 1997-2000 greatly prepared me for the military career I have now. The family experience and wealth of knowledge gained on and off the football field continue to shape the way I approach missions daily. What I learned and experienced with my brothers at Ole Miss has helped me keep myself and my soldiers alive through the toughest of times."
- Major Sheldon Morris
U.S. Army, HHT/6-9 CAV Troop Commander
"While playing Ole Miss football for Steve Sloan in the early 80's, I learned the importance of teamwork, my academic coursework and pursuit of perfection in everything I do. My experience at the University of Mississippi has served me well and helped lift me to the pinnacle of my medical profession."
- Dr. Alan W. Partin
Professor, Director of the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University
"My days as an Ole Miss Rebel football player were tremendous. As an NCIS Special Agent I have traveled and worked with many law enforcement counterparts nationally and internationally. As a student-athlete at Ole Miss, I met many people on and off the field who positively influenced my life. Those relationships helped me mature and grow professionally and prepared me to handle many challenges I now face on a daily basis."
- James Reed
NCIS Special Agent
"One of the things I am most proud of is being able to say I played football for the Ole Miss Rebels. It was a wonderful experience, and the memories of my time at Ole Miss are among my most treasured. Thank you Ole Miss."
- Jim Weatherly
Award-winning songwriter, musician
"I believe it was meant for me to be a 49er, but I believe it all started with being at Ole Miss. I was really fortunate to be a Rebel. Like I say all the time, I wouldn't want to have played at any other place than Ole Miss."
- Patrick Willis
3-time Pro Bowl Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
