JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI - Former NFL and Mississippi star Archie Manning is helping his son, Eli, make an informed choice about whether to skip his senior season at Ole Miss and enter the draft.
But the elder Manning said the final decision will be Eli's alone.
Archie Manning said Monday his role in his son's decision will be ``strictly as a father.''
``I'm not trying to wear any football hat here. I told him it's got to be his decision. I'm going to support him on what he does,'' Manning said in telephone interview from his office in New Orleans.
He said he doesn't know which way Eli is leaning.
``I don't think he knows,'' Archie Manning said about Eli.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Jan. 15.
Eli Manning, who turned 22 last week, completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,401 yards with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2002.
His touchdowns and completion percentage were down and interceptions up compared to 2001. Still, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound passer is considered an attractive pro prospect.
The top quarterbacks in this April's draft figure to be Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer and Marshall's Byron Leftwich. Florida junior Rex Grossman announced Saturday he would enter the draft, further deepening the talent pool at that position.
Eli Manning has petitioned the NFL advisory committee to find out what round he might be selected, his father said. He should be getting that report back later this week.
Archie Manning, who played quarterback for 14 seasons with the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, said he has spoken to his NFL contacts about Eli and passed that information along to his son.
Manning said he made a list of pros and cons for Eli and the two talked about the situation recently.
``I'm just trying to be there for him if he needs me,'' he said.
Manning said he has no preference on whether his son stays or goes.
``It's not fair for me to try to influence him,'' he said.
Archie Manning has gone through this before.
When Peyton Manning was a junior at Tennessee, he labored over his decision before finally deciding to return to school for his senior season.
Archie Manning said Eli's situation is far different from Peyton's.
``Peyton was after three years and Eli's been in college four years. Different schools. Different programs. Different records the year before,'' he said.
Tennessee was 10-2 in 1996, Peyton Manning's junior season. Heading into 1997, the Volunteers were expected to contend for a national title.
Ole Miss went 7-6 last season. Even if Eli Manning returns, the Rebels are probably not one of the favorites in the SEC heading into next season.
Tuesday
July 1st, 2025
9:50PM
