Archie Manning

Archie Manning Profile

NFL legend Archie Manning has long been respected for the way he played the game on and off the field. The starring quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Archie’s example of persistence, perseverance, and leadership has endeared him to fans across the country.

Archie was an All-American quarterback for the University of Mississippi, starring in the first nationally-televised prime-time college football game, and finishing among the top five in voting for the Heisman Trophy during his junior and senior years at “Ole Miss.” After being selected second overall in the 1971 NFL draft, Archie played 13 seasons in the league, and was named National Football Conference offensive player of the year in 1978, while a member of the New Orleans Saints.

Archie’s focus has always been on others rather than his own glory. As an athlete, he constantly remembered that he was part of a team, first and foremost, and collaborated with each of his fellow players and coaches to make that team better. His work ethic and code of honor extended to his competitors as well, who admired him greatly. His deep commitment to his family and community also distinguish him in the minds and hearts of his fans. Archie’s sons, Peyton and Eli, have each won two Super Bowls, following All-American careers at the University of Tennessee, and Ole Miss, respectively.

Manning has served as the National Football Foundation’s Chairman since 2007 and has been the leader of a nationwide network of 120 chapters in 47 states with more than 12,000 members. During his tenure as chairman, the NFF has experienced remarkable growth, and his leadership played a critical role in the recent opening of the state-of-the-art $68.5 million College Football Hall of Fame in the heart of Atlanta. He oversaw the launch of the NFF Leadership Hall of Fame, which has helped raise and distribute millions of dollars for the NFF scholarships, programs and initiatives. Currently, the organization distributes more than $1.3 million each year and recognizes thousands of student-athletes for their accomplishments on and off the field.

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  All-American Quarterback. All-Star Athlete. Football Legend. Exceptional Human Being.

  When people think of Archie Manning,they think football. But Archie′s appeal transcends his athletic achievements. People far and wide have been inspired by his warm personality, his drive and sense of humor. He was recently selected as one of 10 outstanding New Orleanians by Family Service of Greater New Orleans and named Hornblower of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America (New Orleans Chapter).

  Archie was born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was named an All-American Quarterback and is the only Ole Miss player to have his number retired. He was voted Mississippi′s Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992, and recently named Mississippi′s Most Popular Athlete of the Century. He was elected to the 50-Year All-South Team (1940-1990), named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana and he and his son Peyton were named among the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players.

  Archie was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is a member of other Halls of Fame including Louisiana and Mississippi. In 1971, Archie was the second player chosen in the NFL draft – the number one draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in two Pro Bowls and was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1978. He was the first player in Saints history to be inducted into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame. He concluded his 15-year career in 1985. He was also drafted four times by major league baseball.

  While in pro football, he received the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award, the Bart Starr Humanitarian Award, the Spirit of Good Sports Award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and the U.S. Jaycees named him one of 10 Outstanding Young Americans. His community activities include Louisiana Special Olympics, the New Orleans Area Boy Scout Council, the Salvation Army, United Way Speakers Bureau, NOKIA Sugar Bowl Committee, New Orleans Sports Foundation, and National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Archie currently serves in a public relations and consulting capacity for several local, regional and national companies. He serves on countless charity and civic boards, primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi. Archie and his wife Olivia reside in New Orleans and have three sons, Cooper, Peyton and Eli.