Elisha Archibald “Archie” Manning III, born on May 19, 1949, is a revered figure in American football, known for his distinguished career as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and as the patriarch of one of football’s most prominent families. Though he played primarily for the New Orleans Saints during a challenging era for the franchise, Manning’s individual talent, resilience, and leadership earned him widespread respect and admiration. Beyond his playing days, he has cultivated a successful post-football career as an investment broker, broadcaster, restaurateur, endorser, and philanthropist. His most enduring legacy, however, is often associated with his three sons, Cooper, Peyton, and Eli, two of whom became Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterbacks, solidifying the Manning name as synonymous with football excellence.
Archie Manning Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elisha Archibald Manning III |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1949 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 76 years old |
| Birthplace | Drew, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6′ 3″ (191 cm) |
| Spouse | Olivia Williams Manning (m. 1971) |
| Children | Cooper Manning, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning |
| Grandchildren | Arch, Heid, May (from Cooper); Marshall Williams, Mosley Thompson (from Peyton) |
| Profession | Former NFL Quarterback, Broadcaster, Businessman, Philanthropist |
| College | University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
| NFL Draft | 1971, Round 1, Pick 2 (New Orleans Saints) |
| Teams Played For | New Orleans Saints (1971–1982), Houston Oilers (1982–1983), Minnesota Vikings (1983–1984) |
| Net Worth (approx. as of August 2025) | $10 Million |
Early Life and Education of Archie Manning
Elisha Archibald Manning III was born on May 19, 1949, in the small town of Drew, Mississippi, to Jane Elizabeth (née Nelson) and Elisha Archibald “Buddy” Manning Jr.. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Manning experienced a childhood heavily involved in sports, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Baseball was reportedly his first love, and he even played on the varsity baseball team at age 12 in the seventh grade. His exceptional talent in baseball led to him being drafted by Major League Baseball teams four times, including by the Atlanta Braves after his senior year of high school.
Despite his prowess in baseball, Manning’s passion for football ultimately guided his educational path. He attended Drew High School, where he was a multi-sport star and was named valedictorian of his 1967 graduating class. Upon graduation, he received football scholarship offers from several universities, including Tulane, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. Prioritizing education, Manning chose to accept an athletic scholarship to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, Mississippi, signing with the school in December 1966.
His college career at Ole Miss under legendary coach Johnny Vaught was marked by outstanding individual performances. During his junior year in 1969, Manning achieved national recognition in one of the first nationally televised prime-time college football games, throwing for 436 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 104 yards in a narrow 33-32 loss to Alabama. This performance set Southeastern Conference (SEC) records for passing yards, completions, and total offense at the time. He earned All-America and All-SEC honors in both 1969 and 1970, and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1969 and third in 1970. Manning’s No. 18 jersey became the first of only two Ole Miss jerseys ever retired by the school, and the on-campus speed limit was set at 18 mph in his honor. Tragically, during the summer after his sophomore year, Manning’s father, Buddy, committed suicide, an event that deeply affected the family and led Manning to consider leaving school. However, his mother encouraged him to continue his education and sports, and he returned to Ole Miss. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 1971.
Archie Manning’s Career
Archie Manning’s professional football career spanned 14 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. His journey began when he was selected as the second overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He was immediately thrust into the starting lineup, playing 10 of 12 games in his rookie campaign.
Manning quickly became known for his dynamic playmaking ability, combining athleticism, intelligence, and remarkable toughness, even while playing for a franchise that struggled to find consistent success during his tenure. He played ten full seasons for New Orleans, missing the entire 1976 season due to shoulder surgery. Despite the team’s challenges, Manning’s individual brilliance shone through, making him a beloved figure in New Orleans.
His breakout year came in 1978, when he was named the NFC Most Valuable Player by Sporting News and the NFC Offensive Player of the Year by UPI. He was also selected to two Pro Bowls in 1978 and 1979. Manning led the Saints to their first .500 season in 1979, an 8-8 record, narrowly missing a winning season. Throughout his career with the Saints, he established many passing records for the team, accumulating 21,734 passing yards and 115 passing touchdowns. A prolific scrambling quarterback, he also rushed for 2,058 yards and 18 touchdowns as a Saint. He holds the franchise’s second-highest passing yards and third-highest passing touchdowns.
After his lengthy stint with the Saints, Manning finished his NFL career with brief stops at the Houston Oilers (1982–1983) and the Minnesota Vikings (1983–1984). He retired from professional football following the 1984 season. Manning’s NFL career totals include 23,911 passing yards, 125 touchdown passes, and 2,197 rushing yards with 18 rushing touchdowns. Despite his individual talent and longevity, his teams never achieved a winning record or made the playoffs, and he holds the distinction of having the worst win percentage among quarterbacks with at least 100 starts, with a record of 35-101-3 (26.3%).
Following his retirement from playing, Manning charted a successful post-football career. He has worked as an investment broker for Morgan Keegan, a broadcaster and analyst for Saints radio and television broadcasts, and a commentator for CBS Sports’ college football broadcasts. He also owns Manning’s, a sports-themed restaurant on Fulton Street in New Orleans. Manning has served in public relations and consulting capacities for several local, regional, and national companies, including Gatorade, Direct TV, Reebok, Nationwide, Entergy, and CBS Sports. In 1996, he co-founded the Manning Passing Academy with his three sons, a summer camp that has mentored over 21,000 high school football players.
Archie Manning Personal Life & Family
Archie Manning married his college sweetheart, Olivia Williams, in May 1971, shortly after graduating from Ole Miss and being drafted by the Saints. Their relationship began during their freshman year at Ole Miss, and they have now been married for over 50 years. Olivia Williams Manning, born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, was the homecoming queen at the University of Mississippi. The couple settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they raised their three sons: Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Their home in New Orleans’ Garden District has become a famous landmark due to the family’s football prominence.
Their eldest son, Cooper Manning, born in October 1974, was an all-state high school athlete and a talented wide receiver. However, his football career at Ole Miss was cut short by a diagnosis of spinal stenosis prior to his freshman year of college. Cooper has since become successful in the business world as a Senior Managing Director at AJ Capital Partners and is also a television personality, hosting “The 2 Cooper Manning Hour (minus 58 minutes)” on Fox Sports. Cooper and his wife, Ellen Heidingsfelder, have three children: sons Arch and Heid, and daughter May. Their grandson, Arch Manning, a highly-touted quarterback prospect, currently plays at the University of Texas, following in his grandfather and uncles’ footsteps.
Their middle son, Peyton Manning, born in March 1976, became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He played college football at the University of Tennessee, where his No. 16 jersey is retired, and then spent 18 years in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, winning two Super Bowls and a record five NFL MVPs. Peyton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. He and his wife Ashley have fraternal twins, Marshall Williams and Mosley Thompson.
Their youngest son, Eli Manning, born in January 1981, also became a highly successful NFL quarterback. He followed his father’s footsteps to Ole Miss, where he also achieved All-America status and had his No. 10 jersey honored. Eli played 16 years in the NFL for the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls and earning the MVP award for both games.
Archie Manning made it a priority to be a father first, rather than a coach, to his sons, offering advice only when asked. He and Olivia are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren. The Manning family’s strong bond and shared passion for football have been profiled in the 2013 ESPN documentary “The Book of Manning” and a book titled “Manning: A Father, His Sons and A Football Legacy” co-written by Archie and Peyton.
Awards and Achievements of Archie Manning
Archie Manning’s distinguished career, both on and off the field, has been recognized with numerous awards and honors:
College Accolades
- All-America (1969, 1970)
- All-SEC (1969, 1970)
- SEC Player of the Year (1969)
- Walter Camp Memorial Trophy (1969)
- Heisman Trophy Finalist (4th in 1969, 3rd in 1970)
- Ole Miss Rebels No. 18 jersey retired
- Ole Miss Team of the Century (1893-1992)
- SEC All-Century Team
- SEC Legend (1998)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
- Gator Bowl Hall of Fame (1989)
- Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame (2017)
Professional Accolades
- Pro Bowl (1978, 1979)
- NFC Most Valuable Player by Sporting News (1978)
- NFC Offensive Player of the Year by UPI (1978)
- New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor
- New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame (1988 inaugural inductee)
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (1988)
- Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (1989)
- Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
- Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame
- Mississippi’s Greatest All-Time Athlete (1992)
- Mississippi’s Most Popular Athlete of the Century
- Named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana
Humanitarian & Other Awards
- Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award (1978)
- Bart Starr Humanitarian Award
- Spirit of Good Sports Award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association
- U.S. Jaycees named him one of 10 Outstanding Young Americans
- Silver Buffalo Award by the Boy Scouts of America (2007)
- Distinguished Service Award from the United States Sports Academy (2006)
- Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council
- Reds Bagnell Award from the Maxwell Football Club
- Bert Bell Award (51st recipient)
- Pat Summerall Award
- Distinguished American Award from the Walter Camp Foundation
- American Spirit Medallion honoree by the World War II Museum
- SEC’s Michael L. Slive Distinguished Service Award
- National College Football Awards Association recognition (December 2022)
- NFF Gold Medal (2016)
In honor of the Manning family’s college football accomplishments, the Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee created the Manning Award, annually presented to the nation’s best college quarterback.
Archie Manning Net Worth and Income
As of August 2025, Archie Manning’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. His wealth stems from a diverse range of income sources that extend beyond his NFL playing salary. These include his long and successful post-football career as an investment broker, a well-known broadcaster and sports analyst, and a restaurateur.
Manning has also been a sought-after endorser and commercial spokesman for various local, regional, and national companies, including prominent brands like Gatorade, Direct TV, Reebok, Nationwide, Entergy, and CBS Sports. Furthermore, his involvement in the Manning Passing Academy, which he co-founded with his sons, contributes significantly to his income and generates an annual economic impact of over $4.5 million for the area it is held in. His ownership in Manning’s, a sports-themed restaurant in New Orleans, also adds to his financial portfolio.
Legacy and Influence
Archie Manning’s legacy transcends his statistics and individual playing achievements, laying the groundwork for what has become one of football’s most influential dynasties. While he never played on a playoff team, his talent, toughness, and leadership in challenging circumstances earned him immense respect from peers and fans alike. He is often credited with instilling the foundational values and football intelligence that contributed to his sons’ extraordinary success.
His influence is most evident through his children, Peyton and Eli, who both achieved Hall of Fame-worthy careers as NFL quarterbacks, each winning multiple Super Bowls and setting numerous records. The “Manning Legacy” is a recognized term in the NFL, encompassing his impact as a player and, critically, as a father. He prioritized being a supportive father over being a coach, allowing his sons to carve their own paths while providing guidance when asked.
Beyond his family, Manning has maintained a significant public presence as an ambassador for the game. He has been actively involved in numerous charitable and civic causes, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community service. These include leadership roles with the National Football Foundation (serving as Chairman since 2007), the Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee, Louisiana Special Olympics, the New Orleans Area Boy Scout Council, the Salvation Army, United Way, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis research, and others. He and his wife Olivia also established The Manning Family Fund in 2003, raising millions for research and education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Manning’s warm personality, drive, and sense of humor have inspired many, and he remains a beloved figure, particularly in Mississippi and New Orleans. His role as a mentor and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent through initiatives like the Manning Passing Academy further solidify his lasting impact on the sport.
Interesting Facts about Archie Manning
Archie Manning excelled in four sports—football, basketball, baseball, and track—during high school. He was even drafted four times by Major League Baseball teams.
At Ole Miss, his No. 18 jersey was retired, and the campus speed limit was set at 18 mph in his honor. A 10 mph speed limit was later added in certain areas as a tribute to Eli’s jersey number.
In one of his most legendary college performances, in 1969, he threw for 436 yards and rushed for 104 yards against Alabama, a combined 540 yards that set an SEC record for total offense. This game was one of the first nationally televised prime-time college football games.
Despite his NFL teams never making the playoffs, Manning was named NFC Player of the Year in 1978 while playing for a New Orleans Saints team that finished with a losing record.
He is the only father in the College Football Hall of Fame with a son (Peyton Manning) also inducted.
Archie Manning and his sons collectively founded the Manning Passing Academy in 1996, which has since trained over 21,000 high school players.
His New Orleans home in the Garden District is considered a tourist hotspot due to the family’s football prominence.
He received the Silver Buffalo Award from the Boy Scouts of America, the highest award given for service to youth on a national basis.
Archie and his son Peyton co-authored the book “Manning: A Father, His Sons and A Football Legacy”.
He is a passionate community leader, hosting golf tournaments for 25 years to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research and actively supporting various other charities.
Controversies
While Archie Manning’s career has been largely free of major controversies, he faced the inherent challenges of playing for a perennially struggling New Orleans Saints franchise for much of his NFL career. He endured frequent sacks, numerous injuries, and the frustration of never playing on a winning team or reaching the playoffs. This period was difficult for him personally and professionally, as documented in his biography. However, he is widely remembered for his resilience and positive attitude despite these adversities, earning him respect rather than criticism.
A deeply personal and tragic event in his early life was the suicide of his father, Buddy Manning, during the summer after Archie’s sophomore year at Ole Miss. This profoundly impacted him, causing him to consider leaving college to support his family. His mother’s encouragement to continue his education and football career helped him persevere through this difficult time.
Social Media Presence
Archie Manning maintains a less direct social media presence compared to his sons, Peyton and Eli, who are highly active on various platforms. As an elder statesman of football and a businessman, his public image is primarily managed through official channels related to the National Football Foundation, the Manning Passing Academy, and other organizations he is associated with. He does not appear to have prominent individual, verified social media accounts with public follower counts. Instead, his involvement in the football community and philanthropic endeavors is often highlighted through the social media channels of these organizations and media outlets that cover his activities and those of his family.
Final Words about Archie Manning
Archie Manning remains an iconic and influential figure in the world of American football, a respected elder statesman whose impact extends far beyond the gridiron. Currently in his mid-70s, he continues to reside in New Orleans with his wife, Olivia, and actively participates in various business ventures and charitable activities. His enduring legacy is multifaceted: as a talented and resilient quarterback who embodied perseverance during a challenging NFL career, as the beloved patriarch of a football dynasty that has profoundly shaped the sport, and as a dedicated humanitarian and community leader.
Manning’s future plans include continued involvement with the Manning Passing Academy, fostering the development of young athletes, and maintaining his roles in public relations and consulting. His insights into the game, drawn from decades of experience, ensure his voice remains valued in football circles. Through his family’s continued success, particularly his grandson Arch Manning’s burgeoning collegiate career, and his own ongoing contributions to society and the sport, Archie Manning’s name will undoubtedly remain synonymous with football excellence and admirable character for generations to come.
