Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Archie Manning

How Archie Manning built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Archie Manning is a former NFL quarterback, primarily known for his time with the New Orleans Saints (1971-1982). He also played for the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. A College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1989) from his time at Ole Miss, Manning is best recognized as the patriarch of the Manning football family. His sons, Peyton and Eli Manning, followed in his footsteps as successful NFL quarterbacks, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 4, 1969: Record-Setting Performance Against Alabama

On October 4, 1969, Archie Manning had a remarkable performance against Alabama, throwing for 436 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 104 yards. His performance set Southeastern Conference (SEC) records for passing yards, completions, and total offense.

1971: Joined the New Orleans Saints

In 1971, Archie Manning began his professional football career by joining the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

1972: League Leader in Pass Attempts and Completions

In 1972, Archie Manning led the league in pass attempts and completions and led the National Football Conference in passing yards, despite the team's poor record of 2–11–1.

September 23, 1974: Manning's quote about Jack Youngblood

On September 23, 1974, Archie Manning mentioned in the Los Angeles Times that Jack Youngblood was nice enough to pick him up every time he knocked his ass off.

1976: Missed Season Due to Surgery

In 1976, Archie Manning sat out the entire season after corrective surgery on his right shoulder. He spent the second half of the season in the team's radio booth.

1978: NFC Player of the Year

In 1978, Archie Manning was named the NFC Player of the Year by UPI after leading the Saints to a 7–9 record. He was also named All-NFC by both the UPI and The Sporting News.

1978: Selected to Pro Bowl

In 1978, Archie Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl, marking recognition of his performance in the NFL.

1979: Saints reach .500

In 1979, Archie Manning helped the Saints reach .500, which was the only season they finished higher than third in the division during his time with the team.

1979: Selected to Pro Bowl

In 1979, Archie Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl, marking recognition of his performance in the NFL.

1982: Departure from the New Orleans Saints

In 1982, Archie Manning concluded his time with the New Orleans Saints.

1982: Joined the Houston Oilers

In 1982, Archie Manning joined the Houston Oilers after his time with the New Orleans Saints.

1983: Played for Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings

In 1983, Archie Manning played for both the Houston Oilers and the Minnesota Vikings.

1984: End of NFL Career

In 1984, Archie Manning concluded his 13-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.

2007: UPS Spokesman

In 2007, Archie Manning became a spokesman for a United Parcel Service contest to promote its "Delivery Intercept" service, appearing in an advertising campaign for the UPS Delivery Intercept Challenge Video Contest.

2007: Awarded the Silver Buffalo Award

In 2007, Archie Manning was awarded the Silver Buffalo Award by the Boy Scouts of America for his service to youth on a national basis.

2007: Paul Zimmerman's reflection on Manning's sacks

In 2007, Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated wrote that Archie Manning was sacked 337 times during his Saints career, and the number should have been even higher if opposing defensive linemen had not taken it easy on him.