NEW ORLEANS – The Manning family has been a significant presence in New Orleans since patriarch Archie was drafted by the Saints as their quarterback 54 years ago. While their on-field achievements, including those of their three sons—Cooper, Peyton, and Eli—are well-known, the family is also deeply involved in community service.
At the Louisiana Legacy Gala on Wednesday night, it was announced that Children’s Hospital New Orleans will be renamed Manning Family Children’s Hospital in recognition of the family’s enduring dedication to supporting children in the community. One of the hospital’s core principles is to never turn a child away, having treated 585,000 children last year.
During a press conference following the announcement, Cooper Manning shared his appreciation for the hospital, recalling how his son, Arch Manning, the quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, received treatment there in the past. “I can tell you Arch spent a lot of time at Children’s Hospital, and I was there taking him to get stitches. We’ve spent a lot of time here,” Cooper remarked with a touch of humor. “Children’s Hospital is right down the street from us, and Arch is disappointed he couldn’t be here tonight. It’s a special place, and my other son, Heid, and I grew up practicing on that field, watching the helicopter land and seeing all the kids take a knee when it arrived. It’s woven into the fabric of our youth in New Orleans, and this is an incredible facility. We’re honored to be part of it.”
The Louisiana Legacy event also honored Archie and Olivia Manning with the inaugural Louisiana Legacy Award for their dedication to the welfare of children and families throughout the state and beyond. Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s and a New Orleans native, donated $1 million to Walker’s Imaginarium, a groundbreaking interactive children’s museum within the hospital named after Walker Beery, who bravely battled terminal brain cancer before his passing. Graves expressed his admiration for Archie Manning, stating he has always aspired to emulate him in community service, and highlighted the hospital’s mission. “They provided excellent care for 600,000 kids this year, and they continue to expand their services every year, caring for more children regardless of their financial situation. For me, living here and hoping to have grandkids and great-grandkids one day, having access to this world-class care in our community is invaluable.”
Archie Manning expressed his gratitude, saying, “I can speak on behalf of my entire family. It’s difficult to articulate how we feel. Having a hospital named after you is not comparable to making second-team All-SEC or anything like that. We have immense respect for this hospital and its leadership. For them to honor our family in this way is truly special.
