DSU Athletics to host Manning and Rogers for A Night of Champions

by Nathan Duff

Cleveland, MS (07/24/2024) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4336

Email: criddle@deltastate.edu

DSU Athletics to host Manning and Rogers for A Night of Champions

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis appeared on The Gallo Radio Show on SuperTalk MS last week to give updates on campus activities and to promote A Night of Champions, a special event featuring Mississippi football legend Archie Manning and Delta State Alumni and Athletics Hall of Famer, Langston Rogers. The event will take place August 1 at 7 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum.

Ennis told Gallo, "This is going to be a special thrill for me, not being from the Delta, I've heard so much about these gentlemen and now I get to meet them in person."

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, 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 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, DSU 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. Proceeds from A Night of Champions will directly support Delta State Athletics, funding scholarships, facility enhancements, academic support, staff supplements, and new program additions.

For more information on A Night of Champions, please contact Dana George, Senior Executive Associate Athletics Director for Compliance, Academics, and Internal Operations/SWA, at 662-846-4300 or dgeorge@deltastate.edu. To purchase tickets, click here.

Cutline: Mississippi football legend Archie Manning will speak at Delta State's A Night of Champions on August 1.

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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,700 students come from most U.S. states and more than 35 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.

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