All-American quarterback Archie Manning is a legend in football history. He set records at the University of Mississippi and spent fourteen years in the National Football League, winning recognition as Most Valuable Player. When Coach Bear" Bryant was trying to describe Archie Manning's most important assets, he had a hard time choosing. Said Bryant, "He could hurt you in more ways than any other quarterback I've seen--sprinting out, dropping back, throwing while scrambling and running." But, according to Bryant, "His most important assets were leadership and the ability to win close games by the force of his personality and talents." Wherever he goes, Archie Manning is recognized as an ambassador of goodwill and a molder of people. He was born Elisha Archibald Manning, III, May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi, where he grew up. He excelled in all sports at Drew High School and was awarded an athletic scholarship at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he was an All-American quarterback and had his number retired. Manning was named the quarterback of the Southeastern Conference 25 Year Team from 1950 to 1975 and the All South Team from 1940 to 1990. In 1971, he was the second player picked in the NFL Draft, selected by the New Orleans Saints. Manning was also drafted four times by major league baseball (Atlanta, Chicago White Sox (twice) and Kansas City). For twelve years, Manning was the field leader of the New Orleans Saints and still holds team passing records. He also served with the Houston Oilers (1982-1983) before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings where he played until retirement in 1985. Manning was the League's Most Valuable Player in 1978 and participated in two Pro Bowls. He is the only player in the history of the New Orleans Saints franchise to be inducted into the "Wall of Fame" in the Louisiana Superdome. Manning was voted quarterback of the 25 Year All Saints Team and voted Most Popular Saint in franchise history. Manning has been inducted into numerous Halls of fame including the Louisiana and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame. In 1992 he was voted Mississippi's All-time Greatest Athlete. Recently, Manning was named the quarterback for The Team of the Century at the University of Mississippi."
