THIBODAUX – “Manning.” Look it up in Merriam Webster’s Dictionary and the phrase “to supply with people (as for service)” is printed next to the word.
Little did Uncle Webster know when the word “Manning” was created that today millions of sports fans would associate it with touchdowns, two generations of stellar quarterback play and a Super Bowl Championship.
And with all that under their belts, the Manning family still found time to host their annual Manning Passing Academy this past weekend at Nicholls State University.
What started at Tulane University in 1996 with just over 180 high school players has blossomed into a camp that hosted more than 1,200 players from all over the country this past week.
Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning said the key to the camp’s growing success is the coaching staff that is put on the field each year.
“It’s very unique when you’re a 10th grade quarterback, and you’re being coached by [New York Giants quarterback] Eli Manning,” Peyton Manning said.
Peyton Manning said another reason for the camp’s growth is the mix of college and professional athletes.
“These kids get to come out and play catch with players they thought they would only see on television.”
This year’s campers were instructed by coaches and players that included Baltimore Ravens assistant coach Rick Neuheisel, LSU senior wide receiver Early Doucet, ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen and University of Georgia junior quarterback Blake Barnes.
Doucet said being a coach at this year’s camp brings responsibilities that, until this month, he has relatively little experience with.
“It’s kind of weird coaching these kids and being in this position.” Doucet said. “It’s fun to help these young guys. I see what my coaches go through everyday, and maybe it will be something I can pursue in the future.”
One thing that has remained consistent throughout the past 12 years is the three Manning brothers, Cooper, Eli and Peyton’s, continuous dedication to improving these players.
“I couldn’t put this together without them,” said former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning. “To see these three together, joking around with these kids, giving them pointers and watching how the players interact with them is special.”
Peyton and Eli Manning said their passion for helping these prep players comes from seeing the kids grow and return to the camp every year.
“The first year they come here they are trying to be the starting quarterback for the [junior varsity] team,” Eli Manning said. “Then they go to high school and become starters for their team. It feels good to be able to keep up with their football career and see them progress throughout the years.”
Although the Mannings have seen a noticeable increase in returning campers, the increase of total players each year brings a variety of personalities.
“You get a mix of a lot of kids,” Eli Manning said. “Some have questions and are very talkative and some are shy, kind of star struck and don’t know what to say. You tell a joke and try to be funny with them, and they seem like they don’t really know what’s going on sometimes. We try to improve their football skills, but also during morning breaks you hang out with them and try to develop a relationship.”
Archie Manning said the kids that have come to this year’s camp have been a joy to work with.
“These kids are eager,” Archie Manning said. “We practice them three times a day, and [they have a three hour] break to go lay down, but when you go walk by these dorms they’re outside throwing. They are unbelievable. It’s 95 degrees, and they’re throwing like it’s the fourth practice today.”
—Contact Jay St. Pierre at [email protected]