Quarterback prodigy breaks grandfather's rule after inking first NIL deal

26 July 2023 , 22:33

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Arch Manning has signed his first NIL deal, entering an agreement with Panini America. (Image: Tim Warner/Getty Images)

University of Texas quarterback prospect Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli, has signed his first name, image and likeness (NIL) deal. It could net him hundreds of thousands of dollars in the years to come.

The 18-year-old, who was one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the country before he committed to the Longhorns, has struck a multi-year agreement with Panini America to feature in its trading card products.

The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but Arch will not earn anything from his first trading card. A one-of-a-kind rookie card, called the "Arch Manning Throwback Prizm Black Autographed" will be auctioned and all proceeds will be donated to Texas children's healthcare charity, St. David's Foundation.

The winner of the auction will also get to meet Arch, whose grandfather Archie made the Pro Bowl twice and quarterbacked the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings in a 13-year NFL career. Arch's uncles won two Super Bowls each to cap stellar careers.

“Getting my first Panini trading card is something I couldn’t have imagined growing up,” Arch said. “Working with Panini to have my first trading card benefit the larger community is special. Helping children live healthy and fulfilling lives is something that has always been important to my family."

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NIL deals, which were introduced in 2021 after a class-action lawsuit, enable student-athletes to profit from their fame. According to NIL analysis website ON3NIL, Manning – due to his family connections – has the third-highest annual projected NIL value of $2.8 million (£2.1m).

The five-star prospect had huge interest from across the United States as he neared his high school graduation, with Alabama and Georgia in the running to secure his services. But Arch decided to join head coach Steve Sarkisian at Texas and is preparing for his freshman year.

Arch Manning was among the most coveted prospects in the country before he committed to Texas. (Erick W. Rasco /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Arch will be competing for a backup role when preseason gets underway. Highly-rated sophomore Quinn Ewers has been named the team's starter and Manning will be battling with second-year talent Maalik Murphy for the second spot on the depth chart.

"Arch Manning is an outstanding addition to the Panini family, and we are proud to serve as his first and only NIL partner,” said Jason Howarth of Panini America. “We couldn’t be more pleased that our first activity together will go toward such a worthy cause. We look forward to working with Arch on many other exciting initiatives in the years to come.”

The deal with Panini is the first NIL deal of Manning's collegiate career. In April, Sarkisian said the player had accepted "zero" NIL money.

"His grandpa won’t let him take any NIL money," Sarkisian added. "He said, 'You can take money when you become a player and you start.'"

While Arch will not earn anything from his first Panini card, it could take a couple of years before he becomes Texas' starting quarterback, with Ewers cemented in the role after going 6-4 last season, throwing 15 touchdowns to six interceptions. Arch, therefore, could start earning from his NIL deal before his grandfather wanted.

Sam Frost