Today's Speaker: Archie Manning

Elisha Archibald Manning III, or as most people know him, Archie Manning burst onto the national spotlight in his college years. He attended Ole Miss, where he became known as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the Southeastern Conference. He was even named SEC quarterback of the quarter century for 1950-1975.

In 1971, Archie entered the NFL draft and was chosen second overall by the New Orleans Saints. Archie saw great success as an individual player, but never could shake the fact that he was a Hall of Fame player on an abysmal team. The Saints only had one winning season when he was their quarterback, while the other nine seasons with Archie at the helm all ended up with more losses than wins. Players for other teams respected Manning’s abilities, as well as his drive to win even when it seemed hopeless.

After ten seasons with the Saints, Archie moved on to play for the Houston Oilers in the 1982-1983 season, and the Minnesota Vikings from 1983-1984. Unfortunately, his career never tool off, and he is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks to never win a Super Bowl.

After Archie ended his football career, he went on to become a TV football analyst for the NFL, as well as be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. He is, and always will be, the beginning of a legacy of one of the greatest American football families that we have ever seen, and possibly ever will see.