Archie Manning spoke to the Ole Miss football team Friday at the invitation of Rebels coach Pete Golding.
Manning, who starred for Ole Miss from 1968-70, said it’s the first time he’s spoken to a team from his alma mater, which plays host to Tulane on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Vaught Hemingway Stadium.
“I used an old Bum Phillips line, ‘They can’t kill ya and eat ya,’ ” Archie said. “Bum used to always say that to the kickoff (coverage) team to start the game.”
Manning developed a relationship with Golding a few years ago when he served as the lead recruiter for his grandson, Arch Manning, who eventually signed with Texas. Golding will be making his head coaching debut Saturday after landing the job when Lane Kiffin left for LSU on Nov. 30.
“It was nice of Pete to ask,” said the elder Manning, who starred for the New Orleans Saints from 1971 to 1981. “Pete’s a good guy and a terrific coach. I’m excited to see him at Ole Miss.”
Manning plans to attend the game with friends and family, including youngest son Eli, who also starred at quarterback for Ole Miss from 2000-03.
“I think it’s going to be a good game,” the elder Manning said. “We’re looking forward to see who wins and goes on to the Sugar Bowl.”