Manning

NFL legends Archie and Payton Manning, with writer John Underwood, provide a compelling look at football from the perspectives of two generations of players.

“An honest, insightful autobiography of a father and son who both reached the pinnacle of professional football.” —Library Journal

The Mannings take a hard look at their careers and all of American football, dissecting the big-money madness, NFL race relations, the rituals of college recruiting bribery, and fans who no longer identify with pro sports’ insatiable cash fever. They discuss organizational sports; college vs. pro games; coaches, good and bad; and why the quarterback position is the most difficult one in all of sports.

It all began in the Mississippi Delta town of Drew, where Archie discovered football was his passion. Attending college at Ole Miss, Archie made All-America twice, leading him to be selected second in the NFL player draft, where he played for fourteen years, winning All-Pro and MVP honors. But he labored with the Saints, never winning a championship.

Peyton chose Tennessee to fulfill his college ball dreams. His teams won 39 of 44 games, and he became Tennessee''s all-time leading passer, set 33 records, winding up third in NCAA history in career passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes. After graduation, he was selected first in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton was the only quarterback to take every snap in 1998, but his team had a dismal 3-13 and made the playoffs. Peyton was voted to be the AFC starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl.

Manning is a personal and inspiring story of a family, a tradition, and a legacy.