When Archibald Manning joined the NFL in 1971, he probably had no clue that his family would one day dominate the football scene. Decades later, the Manning household remains unmatched in their influence and accolades—not just in football but across the sports world. For devoted fans, here are 15 facts about them that you might have missed.
Archie Almost Gave Up on Football
Most people don’t know that the Mannings almost lost out on a future of stardom in 1969. Archie’s father, Elisha, had just passed on, leaving the family to battle financial difficulties. During this hard period, a bereaved Archie considered quitting college and football altogether, but his mother suggested otherwise.
Cooper Manning Faces Bad News
While former quarterbacks Peyton and Eli get all the spotlight, their elder brother Cooper also had a promising football career. Back in high school, he was a talented wide receiver who quickly got scouted by the Ole Miss Rebels. Sadly, he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and lost the chance to ever play professionally.
NFL’s First Overall Picks
Cooper’s stroke of bad luck did not affect his younger brothers. In 1998, Peyton became the NFL’s first overall pick, while Eli was drafted first overall by the San Diego Chargers six years later, in 2004. It goes on to prove just how talented the Mannings are in this field.
Peyton Honored his Brother on the Gridiron
After joining the NFL, Peyton wasn’t blinded by his success. Instead, he honored his elder brother on the gridiron by wearing Cooper’s old jersey number, 18. This was a heartwarming tribute to the former wide receiver who sadly couldn’t further his football career.
Enough Awards to Go Round
Expectations ran high when the brothers were first overall picks—and they did not disappoint. Between them, they have attended six Super Bowls, four championships, and 18 Pro Bowl selections. Peyton and Archie are also in the college football Hall of Fame, but Peyton holds the family’s only professional Hall of Fame induction.
Eli Never Missed a Game to Injury
Though this isn’t an accolade one can display on a shelf, it’s worth mentioning. During his 16 seasons playing for the New York Giants, Eli Manning never missed a game due to injury or sickness. He started 210 consecutive games—the third-longest streak in NFL history for a quarterback.
Peyton’s Record-Breaking Season
Peyton Manning’s 2013 season with the Denver Broncos is one for the record books. With 55 touchdown passes, he set the NFL record for most touchdown passes in one single season, surpassing the previous record held by Tom Brady. The Super Bowl champion also threw for 5,477 yards that year and clinched his fifth MVP award.
The Home of Champions
If you’re ever in New Orleans, then make sure to visit the Manning family home. After Archie joined the New Orleans Saints in 1971, he and his wife Olivia moved to Garden District, Louisiana. Now, their former residence is a hotbed of tourists eager to see where two Super Bowl champions were raised.
The Mother of Champions
Speaking of champions, let’s take a moment to appreciate Olivia Manning, Archie’s wife and the mother of his three children. The two met at the University of Mississippi and married during their senior year in 1971. Though not a football star, she’s a philanthropist and member of the Go Red for Women campaign.
A Father, Not a Coach
Contrary to what most people would think, Archie didn’t pressure his sons to become footballers. In Peyton’s words, he only encouraged them to pursue sports as they fostered personal development. Archie reiterated this in an interview with NPR, explaining that he simply supported his kids and never forced them into sports.
A Family Feud on the Gridiron
One of the most anticipated moments in NFL history was when Peyton and Eli faced off against each other. The “Manning Bowls” of 2006, 2010, and 2013 saw the brothers clash in three critical games. Notably, Peyton’s Colts won all three matchups, but the games gave fans a rare show of two NFL’s biggest siblings competing.
Archie Never Made the Super Bowl
As bizarre as it sounds, Archie, the father of two Super Bowl champions, never even made the playoffs during his career. He was a formidable player, no doubt, but his luck never went in that direction. Instead, Archie has two Pro Bowl selections and managed induction into the New Orleans Saints’ Hall of Fame in 1988.
A third Generation NFL Star in the Making
The Manning dynasty might not be over just yet. Arch Manning, Cooper’s son, plays collegiate football at the University of Texas and was one of the highly-touted high school players in 2022. As a quarterback, he’s drawn comparisons to both of his uncles, and fans are eager to see if he can live up to the family legacy.
The Manning Brothers are a Family Men
Despite their busy careers, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning are hands-on dads and family men. Peyton married his college sweetheart, Ashley, in 2001 and welcomed twins in 2011. On the other hand, Eli, who married his high school girlfriend Abby in 2008, is a father of four. Finally, Cooper is happily married and has three kids.
Life after Retirement
Life after the NFL has been anything but quiet for the Manning household. Peyton has transitioned smoothly into a successful media career, hosting “Peyton’s Places” on ESPN+ and co-hosting “ManningCast” alongside Eli. The family also runs the Manning Passing Academy, a camp that coaches young, aspiring football players.
15 Interesting Facts About the Manning Family