The Delta State University Department of Athletics hosts “A Night of Champions,” a special event featuring Mississippi football legend Archie Manning alongside Delta State Alumni and Athletics Hall of Famer, Langston Rogers. The inaugural event will take place this evening, August 1 at 7 p.m.at Walter Sillers Coliseum.
Archie Manning, a native of Drew, Mississippi, will headline the event, joining Langston 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 jersey number 18 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.
Langston Rogers, a native of Calhoun City, Mississippi, 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-70s. His remarkable 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.
“Archie Manning was an immediate choice for our inaugural Night of Champions event. His childhood and high school years in the Mississippi Delta, his fondness for the people of our great state, and his family’s continued support of the collegiate student-athlete experience has made him a great role model for many years,” said Mike Kinnison, Director of Athletics. “We are appreciative that he and Langston Rogers will share their life lessons, college and professional playing experiences, and respected family values with our supporters.”
In addition to the engaging conversation, the event will feature an auction and VIP opportunities to meet the guests of honor. Ticket information will be available soon, with sponsorship opportunities also open at varying levels and benefits.
Proceeds from “A Night of Champions” will directly support Delta State Athletics, funding scholarships, facility enhancements, academic support, staff supplements, and new program additions.
