Arch Manning to the Cowboys?

The Manning football dynasty may soon extend its influence to one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL—the Dallas Cowboys. NFL legend Archie Manning, the patriarch of the Manning family, recently shared his aspirations for his grandson, current Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, and his potential future in the league.

Archie Manning’s Bold Wish: Cowboys or Bust

Archie Manning, who famously influenced his youngest son Eli Manning’s career trajectory by preventing him from playing for the Chargers in 2004, now has his sights set on Dallas for his grandson. When asked where he’d like to see Arch Manning play in the NFL, Archie didn’t hesitate:

“Right off the bat, if somebody asks me, I’d say the Cowboys.”

The answer raised eyebrows, especially given Dallas’ current quarterback situation. Dak Prescott, a cornerstone of the team, is under a lucrative contract through 2028. However, Archie views this as an opportunity for Arch Manning to develop at the professional level, with Prescott providing a cushion for growth.

Arch Manning’s Journey: A College Career in Progress

Arch Manning, a redshirt freshman at the University of Texas, is carving out his own path amidst sky-high expectations. Despite starting as a backup, he has impressed in limited appearances.

• 2023 Season Stats:
  • Completion Percentage: Nearly 68%
  • Touchdowns: 9
  • Interceptions: 2
  • Career-High Performance: 325 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 35-13 win over Mississippi State.

The Longhorns have had a stellar season, going 11-1 and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. With Arch Manning continuing to develop and the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) format allowing players to earn while staying in college, his path to the NFL could be more calculated than ever.

Why the Cowboys? The Legacy Factor

Archie’s wish for Arch Manning to play for the Cowboys reflects more than just a love for the team. The Cowboys are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, and joining them could offer Arch a chance to add another chapter to the Manning family’s illustrious history.

The Manning Legacy at a Glance:

• Archie Manning:

  • Two-time Pro Bowler with the New Orleans Saints.
  • 1978 Sporting News Player of the Year.

• Peyton Manning:

  • Two-time Super Bowl champion.
  • Five-time NFL MVP.

• Eli Manning:

  • Two-time Super Bowl champion.
  • Two-time Super Bowl MVP.

For Arch Manning, wearing the star on his helmet could be an opportunity to build on this remarkable family legacy while establishing himself as a quarterback in one of the league’s most passionate markets.

The Dak Prescott Factor: A Perfect Mentor?

With Dak Prescott entrenched as the Cowboys’ quarterback until at least 2028, Arch Manning would have time to adjust to the NFL’s demands. Prescott’s experience and leadership could serve as a valuable resource for Arch, allowing him to develop without the immediate pressure of starting.

Archie Manning seems to see this situation as ideal:

“It’s not a bad thing for a young quarterback to sit and learn. It worked for guys like Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes, and it could work for Arch too.”

The potential for a smooth transition is one reason why Dallas might be an appealing destination when the time comes for Arch Manning to declare for the draft.

What’s Next for Arch Manning?

Arch Manning’s future in football is still unfolding. As a redshirt freshman, he is ineligible for the NFL Draft until at least 2025, and with his grandfather advocating for him to stay at Texas for three years, Arch may not enter the league until 2026.

Until then, the focus remains on his college career and his performance in the College Football Playoff. With the Longhorns on a hot streak, Arch has an opportunity to further showcase his talent and prove he’s ready to take the next step.

Conclusion: Could Arch Manning Be Dallas-Bound?

The idea of Arch Manning donning a Cowboys jersey might seem far-fetched now, but it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Archie Manning’s wish for his grandson to join Dallas reflects both his confidence in Arch’s potential and the allure of the Cowboys’ legacy.

While much depends on how Arch Manning’s college career pans out and the ever-changing dynamics of the NFL, one thing is certain: the Manning dynasty’s next chapter promises to be just as compelling as its storied past.

For now, fans of both the Manning family and the Cowboys can only dream of what such a pairing might achieve in the future.