One of the most prized quarterback recruits of the last decade, Arch Manning has drawn intrigue around the nation since landing with the Texas Longhorns. Arch is obviously part of the Manning family, but how is he related to Peyton and Eli Manning?
Who is Arch Manning’s Father?
Neither Peyton nor Eli is Arch’s father. Arch’s dad is Cooper Manning, the older brother of Peyton and Eli.
Cooper was born in New Orleans on March 6, 1974. He grew up playing football with his younger brothers, Peyton and Eli, and became into a talented wide receiver at Isidore Newman High School. During his senior year, he got to catch passes from Peyton, and the duo helped the team win the state championship. Cooper also excelled in basketball and baseball, earning All-State honors.
Cooper received a scholarship offer from Ole Miss, his father Archie’s alma mater, and committed to play for the Rebels. While many expected Cooper to be a star wide receiver in college and possibly follow his father’s footsteps to the NFL, his football career ultimately came to an abrupt end before he played a single snap for the Rebels.
Prior to his freshman year, Cooper started experiencing numbness and tingling in his fingers and toes. He was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a spinal canal narrowing that can cause nerve damage and paralysis. After undergoing surgery to relieve the pressure on his spine, doctors advised him to never play football again.
Cooper was devastated by the news, but he refused to let it ruin his life. He enrolled at Ole Miss as a regular student and managed to graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism.
After college, Cooper pursued a career in business and finance. He worked as an energy trader for Howard Weil, an investment banking firm based in New Orleans. He later joined Scotia Howard Weil as a senior managing director of investor relations.
Cooper also accepted some media gigs, becoming a broadcaster. He also had a radio show on WWL-AM in New Orleans called “The Manning Hour,” where he would interview celebrities and athletes. He also appeared as a guest analyst on ESPN and Fox Sports.
In 2015, Cooper transitioned “The Manning Hour” into a comedy show on Fox Sports that includes skits, interviews, and pranks on NFL players and coaches. He also contributed to Fox NFL Kickoff, a pregame show that aired every Sunday.
Over the years, Cooper was also involved with various charities, such as the Peyback Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children; the Pat Summitt Foundation, which raises awareness and funds Alzheimer’s research; and the Tackle Kids Cancer initiative, which supports pediatric cancer patients.
Peyton has referred to Cooper as his “hero” and he once stated that he played every game for him. Similarly, Eli described Cooper as his “role model” and explained that his older brother taught him how to be a leader and a competitor.
Arch became a highly coveted prospect due in part to his lineage and namesake, but he’s undeniably a talented passer in his own right. Manning could become a top draft prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft if he plays well enough.