Archie Manning jokingly calls out Mel Kiper Jr, credits Todd McShay with Manning Passing Academy help

Putting together the list of quarterbacks invited to the Manning Passing Academy cannot be an easy job. Certainly more than one person is required, even for a family as into football as the Mannings. Some outside help is certainly required, as Archie Manning revealed Todd McShay has some influence.

McShay was in attendance this season, apparently his first time ever making it to Thibodeaux, LA. Manning told the camp as such, having some jokes along the way. He decided to call out McShay’s former ESPN partner, Mel Kiper, for looking over the shoulder when it comes to quarterbacks.

“Todd McShay,” Manning began. “Todd McShay has always helped me with my list of quarterbacks. He’s never been to camp. He came to camp this year. I always say that Mel Kiper always tries to steal Todd McShay’s every year. Todd McShay knows a lot more than Mel Kiper.”

Unfortunately, McShay and Kiper are not working together anymore. McShay started up his own podcast last fall with The Ringer, while Kiper still takes the role of the face of the NFL Draft at ESPN. The likes of Field Yates and Matt Miller have the opportunity to debate Kiper on television.

Back to the MPA, Manning (and McShay) put together a great group of quarterbacks to attend this season. When the list was announced back in early June, nearly 30 guys were included from top programs. One of their own, Texas‘ Arch Manning, headlined alongside his roommate, LSU‘s Garrett Nussmeier.

More on Manning Passing Academy, nearing 30th anniversary

As the offseason reaches summer days, the Manning Passing Academy has become a top event. After all, getting elite college football quarterbacks around the Manning family is a rare occurrence. But they are there as counselors, helping out younger players.

“For more than 50 years, the Manning family and the quarterback position have been practically synonymous with one another,” the official Manning Passing Academy website says. “As such, their summer vacations always revolve around the annual Manning Passing Academy…a family-owned and managed football camp that embraces the basic fundamentals of football while catering to the offensive skill positions of RB, TE, WR … and of course QB.”

This has been going on since Peyton Manning was in college. The first Manning Passing Academy camp took place in 1996. Next year will be the 30th edition, hoping to continue the tradition for many years to come.