Growing Up Manning
You don’t have to know a lot about football to know the Manning name, but sitting down with Cooper Manning, the eldest of the Manning brothers, reveals there's much more to this Southern dynasty than sports. Cooper met with host James Lewis to talk about a journey that has been defined by humor, resilience, and a determination to forge his own identity.
Bonding as a Family
The Manning household was a haven of sports and play. Cooper recalls how their father, Archie, would join recess as the “permanent quarterback” and how Saturdays were spent in the Saints locker room, where Peyton and Cooper felt like part of the team alongside their father. At home, they were always active, whether it was shooting hoops out back, tennis ball batting practice, or running routes in the front yard. This family quality time and shared love of sports laid a foundation for the way he thinks of his own family now.
Reflections on Newman
James and Cooper's connection and friendship is deeply tied to their high school basketball experience at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. They shared many memories of their intense yet impactful coach, Coach Fitz, and Cooper's comedic impersonations and jokes, which were the only thing that could crack the coach’s stern demeanor and bring the team together. Cooper reflects that Coach Fitz’s discipline and accountability ultimately helped him become a better person in adulthood.
In high school, Cooper thrived as a wide receiver, playing alongside Peyton during his senior year. The backyard football scrimmages as children had prepared them for the field, making their time together a highlight not only for them but also for their parents, who faithfully attended every game. These formative years weren’t just about sports but about building the camaraderie and character that would define Cooper’s life.
The Newman basketball connection also recently went full-circle. Thirty years after a team dinner celebrating their State Championship in 1992 at Brennan’s restaurant, teammate Randy Livingston was reunited with Cooper. As luck would have it, Randy returned to Newman and coached Cooper’s son, Arch, from eighth grade through his senior year and won multiple state championships. The entire team signed the menu from the 1992 dinner, which James has kept all these years.
Journey to the Broadcast Booth
Cooper’s sports career came to an abrupt halt when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in his first summer at Ole Miss. With football no longer an option, he pivoted toward a different path, discovering his love for storytelling and connection.
He initially majored in accounting but found his true passion in broadcast journalism, admitting that he wasn’t fond of the technical aspects, but thrived in front of the camera and behind the microphone. His college projects may not have been groundbreaking—like a piece on a new stop sign in Oxford—but they sparked his love for the field.
After college, Cooper landed a gig with WWL 870 in New Orleans, hosting late-night call-in shows. He joked about relying on friends and family to phone in during those early days, but the experience solidified his knack for engaging audiences. Over time, his quick wit and natural charisma opened doors in broadcasting, leading to roles with major networks like Fox, where his unique brand of humor and storytelling found a home.
Despite his family’s sports legacy, Cooper intentionally sought a career path that stood apart. His work with AJ Capital Partners has allowed him to channel his energy into real estate and hospitality projects, creating a new path forward for success. From his comedic ventures on Fox NFL Sunday to his pivotal role in AJ Capital’s Graduate Hotels and other ventures, Cooper’s career reflects his commitment to individuality and innovation.
Raising May, Arch, and Heid Manning
Beyond his professional life, Cooper finds his greatest joy in fatherhood. Married to Ellen since 1999, he has three children: May, Arch, and Heid. His reflections on parenting show how deeply he values the lessons instilled by his own parents.
Cooper proudly shared how his daughter May followed in her mother’s footsteps, attending Sacred Heart and winning a volleyball state championship. Meanwhile, his sons Arch and Heid mirrored their father and uncles, excelling in sports at Newman. Arch, the quarterback, and Heid, the lineman, even played together on the same team, just as Cooper and Peyton once had, and now they’re both at the University of Texas, with Arch playing quarterback.
Parenting for Cooper isn’t just about sports but about teaching his children resilience and humor. He draws from his own upbringing, instilling values of hard work, gratitude, and adaptability in his kids in a full-circle moment of his life.
More than a Name
Cooper Manning’s journey is a testament to stepping out of the shadows and creating a story that’s uniquely your own. Through humor, adaptability, and a deep love for his family, Cooper has carved out a meaningful, impactful life, reminding Southern Character listeners that success isn’t about following a well-trodden path—but rather, following your compass with grit and grace.