Archie Manning
Executive Director
Archie's leadership, dedication, and commitment have defined his success both on and off the football field. As Executive Director of the Manning Passing Academy, he oversees every aspect of the camp, ensuring excellence in teaching and coaching. His extensive football background embodies the ideals of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
NFL Career
Selected as the second overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft, Archie enjoyed a 14-year career with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Minnesota Vikings. As the Saints' quarterback, he was named the league's MVP in 1978 and earned two Pro Bowl selections. He is a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and its prestigious Ring of Honor.
College Career
One of the greatest players in Ole Miss history, Archie was the recipient of the Walter Camp Award and earned All-American, All-SEC, and All-South honors. He was named SEC Player of the Year in 1969 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. He is also enshrined in the Ole Miss, Sugar Bowl, and Gator Bowl Halls of Fame.
Community Leadership
Archie has dedicated himself to philanthropy, supporting numerous charitable organizations in Louisiana and Mississippi. He has been widely recognized for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to giving back. He currently serves as Chairman of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is an active member of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Championship Committee.
In February, Archie and his wife Olivia made a transformational gift to Children's Hospital of New Orleans, and its renaming to the Manning Family Children's Hospital. Their contributions to the community were further recognized when they received the 2024 Heart of a Champion Award from the American Heart Association's Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards. That same year, Archie was honored with the Tuss McClaughry Award, the highest distinction from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Over the years, he has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:
Football Bowl Association's Champions Award (2019)
Walter Camp Football Foundation Distinguished American Award (2018)
SEC Legends Mike Slive Distinguished Service Award (2018)
Davey O'Brien Legends Award (2004)
National WWII Museum's American Spirit Medallion (2018) (previous recipients include President George H.W. Bush, Tom Brokaw, and Gen. Colin Powell)
National Football Foundation Gold Medal Award (2016)
NFL's Pat Summerall Award (2013)
Community Impact
A portion of the Manning Passing Academy's proceeds is donated to numerous charities. Additionally, the Manning Award, presented by the Sugar Bowl Committee, is the only national quarterback award that factors in postseason performance, honoring Archie, Peyton, and Eli. Also, Archie and Peyton co-authored the book "Manning: A Father, His Sons, and a Football Legacy".
Archie and Olivia reside in New Orleans and are proud grandparents of nine grandchildren from their sons Cooper, Peyton, and Eli.