Peyton Manning Reveals Secret Behind Arch Manning's Swagger

Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian recently revealed how Arch Manning's uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, never called him during the recruitment process. 

It shows that the family was not trying to influence the Texas Longhorns' coach. 

But now that Arch is close to starting for the Longhorns, Peyton Manning is refusing to shy away from hyping up his 21-year-old nephew.  

The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback checked in to the Pat McAfee Show on Monday. His Colts teammate Pat McAfee asked him about the recent event at the Manning Passing Academy. 

The conversation turned to how Arch has a certain swagger to him that the world hasn't seen from a Manning. 

Peyton Manning agreed and said, "The moxie? I mean that was his dad. Cooper was a cocky wide receiver that was open every time in the huddle." 

Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning with grandfather Archie Manning

Raising Cane's

The 2x Super Bowl champ added, "I think my sophomore year in high school, Cooper was a senior. I think I completed a 120 passes that year and I think 90 of them (were thrown) to my brother. And he would've liked all 120." 

Cooper Manning, standing at 6-foot-4, was a standout receiver for the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. He received All-State honors and set school records while playing with his younger brother Peyton at quarterback. 

Unfortunately, his career was cut short at the age of 18. Manning was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, which could've gotten worse if he continued playing.

So, despite being committed to the University of Mississippi, he gave up his football career to care after his well-being. 

Arch Manning has learned valuable lessons from his father's story. In January, he talked to ESPN's Marty Smith about Cooper's playing days. 

The Longhorns QB said, "It reminds me to not take any day for granted. Enjoy the hot workouts in the summer, enjoy the bus rides to practice, enjoy the plane ride after the game just cause it can all get taken away so quickly." 

Manning's resilience will be put to the test as he begins his journey as a starter against Ohio State on 30 August 2025.