The Manning family has been one of the most influential groups for the entirety of football history. Over three generations, the family has blessed the league with superstar athletes and even Hall of Famers. The next generation of the dynasty is about to commence.
But before Arch Manning takes the field as an NFL quarterback, the contributions of the family beyond the gridiron came into notice. And it led legendary punter-turned-analyst Pat McAfee to give the family its due for their incredible impact on the league and the sport as a whole.
Arch Manning Headlines Football’s Royal Family as NFL Buzz Builds
Through three generations, the Mannings have been at the pinnacle of the football landscape, starting with the legendary Archie Manning. However, they have also made it a mission to spread the game far and wide
A key component of that is the Manning Passing Academy. The camp, first founded by Archie Manning, was established at Tulane University in 1996. Since then, it’s moved destinations twice and found its permanent residence at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
This year, the event completed its 29th iteration, with New York Giants legend and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning sending out a tweet with his family alongside the caption, “Year 29 of the MPA!”
Immediately responding to the picture, McAfee sent out a tweet of his own that read, “This family has done so much for football.” Alongside, he added a hashtag “#ARCHSZN
This family has done so much for football.#ARCHSZN https://t.co/rWy8Mu4Bsq
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 28, 2025
The intention was clear as the NFL world awaits the first full season of Arch Manning at Texas. With a possibility that he joins the league as soon as next season, the Longhorns quarterback is going to be one of the biggest names to watch out for this collegiate season.
The camp, over the years, has grown into a phenomenon, with Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning all participating in the four-day extravaganza. Alongside them, a host of other players and coaches from the collegiate and professional levels also arrive for the spectacle.
Beyond their contributions, the family has ensured that the football product continues to grow and evolve. But even within their family, the Mannings have dominated the football landscape for over half a century.
It began with Archie Winning, who dominated the college landscape at Ole Miss from 1968 to 1970, before joining the league. At the NFL level, he won two Pro Bowl awards and was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor.
His sons, Peyton and Eli, dominated the 2000s and 2010s eras of football, winning four championships and five MVPs between the two, while becoming an integral part of the history of the sport.
Their brother, Cooper Manning, did not have the opportunity to pursue his career for a long time, as spinal stenosis forced him into early retirement after he started as a wide receiver at the high school level.
His son, Arch, is next in line to take up the family mantle. And we should gain a deeper understanding of the prospect as the collegiate football season gets underway and he assumes the QB1 role for Texas.