

Archie did shoot back that they did manage a 3 play scoring drive once. The other commentator asked if Archie had ever experienced that as a Saint…. He was color-commentating during a Saint game when the Saints managed a 2-play scoring drive. The said Lion had supposedly attempted to step on Archie’s hand.ĭespite the Saints lack of success during his career, Archie still retains his sense of humor. I still vividly remember him chasing a Detroit defensive lineman off the field after he had been sacked. Every Sunday he remained competitive and was always the team leader. I don’t remember him ever railing on the Saints or complaining.
MANNING NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PROFESSIONAL
Playing on some of the worst teams in professional football, he was always a professional act. Watching Archie as a teenager playing Little League and High School football, I always held him in the highest regards. After his retirement in 1985, he did Saints games on the radio for several years and still announces exhibition games from time to time on TV. The next 4 years he played a total of 17 games between the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. LouisĬardinals, Bum Phillips opted to discard a Saints icon in favor of aging NFL legend Ken Stabler. After a 21-7 season-opener loss to the St.

In 1982, as Archie was beginning his 11th season in New Orleans.

In New Orleans, Archie set virtually every passing record while in New Orleans and before Drew Brees showed up, he held most yards, TDs, attempts and completions in a career.
MANNING NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PRO
With a formidable running game in Chuck Muncie and Tony Galbreath, a group of quality receivers in Ike Harris, Wes Chandler, and Tight End Henry Childs and an offensive line that could give some protection, Archie was named NFC MVP in 1978, and made the Pro Bowl in 19. Nolan built upon what former coach Hank Stram had started and got some offensive tools for Archie to work with. It was not until the arrival of Dick Nolan that Archie began to get much deserved respect. Unfortunately, for the rest of his career victories were few and far between. In another 24-14 upset over the eventual Super Bowl champs Dallas, he ran for 2 scores. Archie passed for 1 score and, as time ran out, he boot-legged it in from the 1 to give the Saints the upset 24-20. Saint’s Fans will never forget Archie Manning’s first NFL start against the Los Angeles Rams. Heisman Trophy award voting in 1969 and 3rd in 1970. He had 4,753 career yards, and his 56 TDs are still a school record. But one of those superstars was a red headed All-American from Drew, Mississippi.Īrchie Manning was the Saints 1st pick in 1971 and the second player taken overall following an almost legendary career at Ole Miss. Throughout the 70’s, the New Orleans Saints had precious few players they could call superstars.
