Chris Clement
June 29, 2018
Celebrate Freedom
July 1, 2018
Usually, late-afternoon summer showers are welcome because they cool us down from the oppressive 90-plus degree heat and 100-plus degree heat indexes.
But this past weekend, an exception was made and the heat was welcomed because it meant the Manning Passing Academy was able to go on without a hitch at Nicholls State University.
The First Family of Quarterbacks enjoyed another successful Manning Passing Academy this past weekend — their 13th straight run in Thibodaux.
The event is attended by more than 1,000 campers from around the country and as has been reported in The Times in the past few weeks, it generates millions of dollars in economic revenue for the Houma-Thibodaux area and beyond.
At Media Day on Friday, the Manning Family said that the event is in good hands on the bayou, calling the area a worthy home — a place they hope to be for the long haul.
“You can’t ask for anything more,” Archie Manning said.
“And we even got some sunshine. The weather has been good. The people are always excellent. It’s just been terrific. It’s always a pleasure to be here working with these fine young men.”
The camp literally takes over Nicholls State University’s campus for the length of its stay.
Campers stay in the university’s dorms and during the day, they break into groups and occupy just about every inch of available grass on the campus.
The work is invaluable, according to campers. It’s a chance to get advice and technical work from three of the best quarterbacks of all-time.
Archie Manning is a New Orleans Saints legend — one of the best players in the history of the franchise.
But for as decorated as Archie was in his career, his boys, Peyton and Eli, have arguably passed him up.
Eli, 37, is approaching his 15th NFL season — all for the New York Giants. In his career, he’s made four Pro Bowls and has won two Super Bowls, completing 4,424-of-7,396 passes for 51,682 yards, 339 touchdowns and 228 interceptions.
Peyton, 42, has been out of the league for a few seasons, but he is a future First-Ballot Hall of Famer and is arguably the best statistical quarterback of all-time.
In 17 seasons, Peyton Manning posted a 186-79 win/loss record, completing 6,125-of-9,380 passes for an all-time NFL best 71,940 yards, 539 touchdowns and 251 interceptions.
Like Eli, Peyton, too, has won two Super Bowls — one with the Indianapolis Colts and the other in his final season with the Denver Broncos.
Being able to work with such accomplished passers is a blessing, according to campers and college counselors who sign up to work the camp to help the Manning family.
Nicholls quarterback Chase Fourcade was one of those counselors and he said the entire experience is unforgettable and invaluable.
Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham said the advice given from Peyton and Eli lifts quarterback play around the country in college football. He said the counselors also learn from one another, making connections and friendships that last throughout the careers of everyone involved.
“It’s just awesome,” Stidham said. “As a kid, you grow up watching these guys compete and now, you get to get down and dirty with them in the lab, so to speak. It’s just great. As a quarterback, I’m not sure you could want anything more than this.”
But the benefits are a two-way street.
The Manning brothers say they enjoy the process just as much as their pupils.
Eli Manning said working with the young campers “keeps him young.” He talked about his upcoming NFL season and said he thinks the Giants are in position to thrive.
He talked about the team drafting Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, calling him a weapon in the team’s offense. Eli Manning also said he’s pleased with the progress of Odell Beckham, who is recovering after suffering a season-ending injury last year.
But even when the questions steer away from the camp, the Mannings do their best to shift the focus back to the kids and the hard work they’re doing to better themselves.
Archie Manning said he takes pride in seeing some of the same faces every year — something that he believes is a sign that he and his boys are doing something right with the camp.
He also raved about the huge support staff which the camp attracts each year — starting with the counselors and also consisting of a pool of coaches from around the country. This year’s camp featured Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shanahan and several other prominent offensive names.
Archie Manning said the reason why the passing academy works is because there are no egos involved nor any ulterior motives. Everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“We all want to do right by these kids,” he said. “We all want to make sure they’re working hard, learning the right things and getting better. We want them to get better.”
