Archie Manning: NFL Legend and Father of Football Dynasty

Elisha Archibald "Archie" Manning III stands as one of the most beloved figures in football history, not only for his remarkable 14-year NFL career but also as the patriarch of America's most famous football family. Born on May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi, Manning's legacy extends far beyond his personal achievements to encompass the extraordinary careers of his sons Peyton, Eli, and grandson Arch Manning.

Table of Contents

• Early Life and High School Career
• College Career at Ole Miss
• Professional NFL Career
• The Manning Football Dynasty
• Legacy and Post-Football Life
• Frequently Asked Questions

Early Life and High School Career

Growing up in the small town of Drew, Mississippi, Archie Manning excelled in multiple sports at Drew High School, including football, basketball, baseball, and track. His athletic prowess was evident early, as he was drafted by Major League Baseball teams four times—by the Atlanta Braves in 1967, twice by the Chicago White Sox, and finally by the Kansas City Royals in 1971.

Manning's high school years were marked by both triumph and tragedy. In the summer of 1969, his father Elisha "Buddy" Manning Jr. died by suicide after struggling with financial difficulties and health issues. Archie discovered his father's body, a traumatic experience that nearly led him to abandon his football dreams to support his family. However, his mother's encouragement convinced him to continue pursuing his education and athletic career.

College Career at Ole Miss

Manning's college career at the University of Mississippi from 1968-1970 established him as one of the greatest quarterbacks in SEC history. Playing under legendary coach Johnny Vaught, Manning became a three-year starter and put Ole Miss football on the national map.

Historic Alabama Game

Manning's most famous college performance came on October 4, 1969, in one of the first nationally televised prime-time college football games. Against Alabama, Manning threw for 436 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 104 yards in a heartbreaking 33-32 loss. This performance set SEC records for passing yards, completions, and total offense—a record that stood for 43 years until broken by Johnny Manziel in 2012.

College Achievements

During his three-year college career, Manning accumulated impressive statistics and numerous accolades:

• 4,753 passing yards and 31 touchdowns
• 823 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns
• SEC Player of the Year (1969)
• Walter Camp Memorial Trophy winner (1969)
• Fourth in Heisman Trophy voting (1969), third in 1970
• Two-time All-SEC First Team selection
• Jersey No. 18 retired by Ole Miss

Professional NFL Career

Selected second overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Manning spent the majority of his 14-year professional career with the franchise, becoming synonymous with Saints football despite the team's struggles during his tenure.

New Orleans Saints Era (1971-1982)

Manning's Saints career was marked by individual excellence amid team struggles. Despite playing for predominantly losing teams, he earned widespread respect throughout the league. His durability and toughness became legendary, as he was sacked 337 times during his Saints career yet continued to perform at a high level.

His best statistical season came in 1980 when he completed 309 of 509 passes for 3,716 yards and 23 touchdowns. Manning was selected to two Pro Bowls (1978, 1979) and was named UPI NFC Player of the Year in 1978, leading the Saints to their first .500 season in franchise history.

Career Statistics

Manning retired with impressive career totals:

• 23,911 passing yards
• 125 passing touchdowns
• 2,197 rushing yards
• 18 rushing touchdowns
• 67.1 career passer rating

The Manning Football Dynasty

Archie Manning's greatest legacy may be the football dynasty he created through his sons. Married to Olivia Williams Manning since 1971, Archie raised three sons who all excelled in football:

• Cooper Manning: The eldest son's football career was cut short by spinal stenosis, but he became a successful businessman and television personality
• Peyton Manning: Won five NFL MVP awards and two Super Bowls during an 18-year career with the Colts and Broncos
• Eli Manning: Won two Super Bowl MVP awards leading the New York Giants to victories over the Patriots

Third Generation: Arch Manning

The Manning legacy continues with Cooper's son, Arch Manning, who was the top-rated quarterback in the 2023 high school class and currently plays for the University of Texas Longhorns, carrying on the family tradition of quarterback excellence.

Legacy and Post-Football Life

Following his retirement in 1984, Manning settled in New Orleans, where he remains a beloved figure. He has worked as a broadcaster for Saints games and CBS Sports college football coverage. Manning was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 1988.

The Manning family operates the Manning Passing Academy, an annual summer camp for young quarterbacks that has become one of the premier football camps in the country. Manning also received the Silver Buffalo Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 2007 for his service to youth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Archie Manning win the Heisman Trophy?

No, Archie Manning never won the Heisman Trophy, though he finished fourth in 1969 and third in 1970. Despite his outstanding college career, he was unable to capture college football's most prestigious individual award.

How many sons does Archie Manning have?

Archie Manning has three sons: Cooper (eldest), Peyton, and Eli. Cooper's football career ended due to spinal stenosis, while Peyton and Eli both became Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterbacks.

Is Archie Manning in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

No, Archie Manning has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While he was a talented quarterback, his teams' lack of success likely impacted his Hall of Fame candidacy. However, he is in the College Football Hall of Fame.

What is Archie Manning's relationship to Arch Manning?

Arch Manning is Archie Manning's grandson. Arch is the son of Cooper Manning, making him the third generation of Manning quarterbacks to play at the college level.

Where did Archie Manning go to college?

Archie Manning attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 1968-1970, where he played quarterback for the Rebels and became one of the greatest players in school history.

Archie Manning's impact on football extends far beyond statistics and championships. As the foundation of the Manning football dynasty, he established a legacy of excellence, character, and dedication that continues to influence the sport today. From his humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming the patriarch of football's first family, Manning's story represents the very best of American football tradition.