Today’s generation may see the name Archie Manning and only know him as the father of Peyton, Eli, and the lesser-mentioned Cooper Manning (or grandfather to the Texas-committed quarterback, Arch Manning). But Archie Manning is much more than the father of NFL-caliber talents.
He piloted a successful NFL career of his own, even though he was challenged with some of the worst supporting casts a quarterback could have asked for. We take a look back at Archie Manning’s career, the Manning family tree, and the elder Manning’s current net worth.
Look Back at Archie Manning’s Career
Manning played college football at Ole Miss, where his No. 18 jersey is retired by the school. His NFL career began as the second overall selection in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Archie spent 10 seasons with the Saints, nine of those were losing seasons. Although the Saints were largely an unsuccessful team during Manning’s tenure at quarterback, he enjoyed selections to the Pro Bowl in both 1978 and 1979.
Manning would not spend his entire career with the New Orleans Saints, however. He had brief stints on the Houston Oilers from 1982-1983 and finished his career as a Minnesota Viking, joining the team from 1983-1984.
Archie Manning’s Career NFL Statistics
Manning’s career statistics in the NFL would make Peyton and Eli shake their head. Still, take into consideration that these stats are reflective of an era in the NFL that was much more focused on running the football and limiting offensive output with stellar defensive play. It’s reflective of just how bad the New Orleans Saints of the 1970s were.
Manning enjoyed a 14-year career in the NFL but missed the entire 1976 season due to injury. In 14 seasons, Manning accumulated 23,911 passing yards, 125 passing touchdowns, and 173 interceptions, with a career average completion percentage of 55.2%. He posted a career win-loss record of 35 wins, 101 losses, and 3 ties.
Manning’s best season was arguably in 1980, posting 3,716 passing yards (career high), 23 passing touchdowns (career high), and an 81.8 passer rating (career high). All in all, Manning’s statistical output was limited by the franchise he spent the majority of his NFL career with.
The Manning Family Tree
In many ways, Manning started the first family of football with the Manning family tree.
Olivia and Archie Manning had three sons: Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Cooper is cited by Peyton and Eli as the most talented quarterback of the three, but his football career ended in high school when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Cooper Manning is the father of Arch Manning, who is one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in a generation. Arch recently committed to play at the University of Texas.
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Peyton played in the NFL for 18 seasons, quarterbacking the Indianapolis Colts for the majority of his playing career and then the Denver Broncos for his second act. Peyton won Super Bowls with both franchises and holds NFL records for the most MVP awards, most 4,000-yard passing seasons, and most passing touchdowns in a single season (55). Manning was a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in the Class of 2021.
Eli Manning played in the NFL for 16 seasons, all with the New York Giants. Eli won two Super Bowls in his career, both of them against Tom Brady during his tenure with the New England Patriots. Eli went first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft to the San Diego Chargers but finagled his way to the New York Giants in some high-stakes negotiating. And the rest is history.
Archie Manning’s Net Worth
Archie Manning’s net worth is currently $10 million. While he made money during his NFL career, Archie has also increased his net worth through endorsements, a football-themed restaurant named “Manning’s,” and appearances in recent Caesars Sportsbook commercials.