Archie Manning

Though Archie Manning's legacy may have begun on the field, he continues to captivate audiences from the lectern, discussing his phenomenal career and transition into the business world. His background is truly reflective of the ideals and dedication necessary to compete on the football field.

Currently, Manning serves as Chairman of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is an active member of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Championship Committee. He oversees all aspects of the Manning Passing Academy, the premier football camp that he and his sons Cooper, Peyton and Eli Manning established 29 years ago.

Manning attended the University of Mississippi, where, as quarterback, he is considered one of the greatest players ever to wear a Rebel uniform. A recipient of the Walter Camp Award and selected to the All-American, All-SEC and All-South teams, Manning was the SEC Player of the Year in 1969. In 1989, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is also an inductee in the Ole Miss, Sugar Bowl and Gator Bowl Hall of Fames.

Manning was the second player selected in the 1971 NFL draft and went on to a brilliant 14-year career that included stints with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Minnesota Vikings. As the New Orleans Saints field general, Manning was named league MVP in 1978 and was twice selected to the Pro Bowl. He is a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and its Ring of Honor.

Manning has supported numerous non-profits and charities over the years in both Louisiana and Mississippi while continuing to assist those who share his love for the game of football. He has been recognized across the nation for his character, integrity and leadership on and off the field.

In 2019, he was honored with the Football Bowl Associations Champions Award. He was also recognized as the 2018 Walter Camp Football Foundation Distinguished American Award recipient, the Southeastern Conference Legend's 2018 Mike Slive Distinguished Service Award recipient and proudly awarded the National World War II Museum's American Spirit Medallion (Past recipients of this award include former President George H.W. Bush, Tom Brokaw and Gen. Colin Powell). Earlier honors include the prestigious Gold Medal Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame; the NFL's prestigious Pat Summerall Award; and the Davey O'Brien Legends Award.

A portion of the Manning Passing Academy proceeds is donated to Special Olympics Louisiana and Bridge House/Grace House New Orleans. Manning and Peyton have written a book entitled “Manning: A Father, His Sons and A Football Legacy" and also have a national quarterback award named after the family - the Manning Award, hosted by the Sugar Bowl Committee, in honor of Archie, Peyton and Eli. This award is the only national quarterback award that considers the candidates postseason play.

Manning and his wife Olivia -- a former Homecoming Queen at Ole Miss -- reside in New Orleans are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren by Cooper, Peyton and Eli.