Archie Manning

February 19, 2015 |

The American Studies Institute at Harding University hosted Archie Manning as the third presentation of the 2014-15 Distinguished Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Manning's presentation titled “Leadership Lessons I've Learned as a Player, a Businessman, and a Father" shared stories from his past about his family and career and experiences in professional football that taught him more about what it means to be a leader.

“Every time you do what’s right, you’re a leader,” Manning said. “Every time you do what’s hard, you’re a leader. And every time you have built for the future, you’re a leader. Your challenges may be great, but your abilities are greater.”

Manning is a former professional football quarterback. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was named an All-American Quarterback. In 1971, he was the second player chosen in the NFL draft — the number one draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in two Pro Bowls, and was named the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978. He was the first player in Saints history to be inducted into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame. Manning concluded his 15-year career in 1985. He was also drafted four times by major league baseball.

He was voted Mississippi’s Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992 and was named Mississippi’s Most Popular Athlete of the Century. He was elected to the 50-Year All-South Team, named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana, and, along with his son Peyton, named among the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players. Manning was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is a member of other Halls of Fame including Louisiana and Mississippi.

While in pro football, he received the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award, the Bart Starr Humanitarian Award, and the Spirit of Good Sports Award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. In 2005, Manning received the Legends award from the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the Aspire award, a tribute to life’s coaches, from the Cal Ripken Foundation. Manning was honored by the United States Sports Academy with the 2006 Distinguished Service Award. In honor of Manning and his sons’ college football accomplishments, the Sugar Bowl has created the Manning Award to go to the nation’s best college quarterback.