(WGNO) – Archie Manning was a beloved New Orleans Saint, who never had a winning season in the black and gold.
His sons, Eli and Peyton have certainly made their mark in the NFL, and some believe it may have something to do with where they grew up.
1420 First Street in the Garden District isn’t just any home. It’s the home where football champs, Eli and Peyton grew up. Archie and his wife Olivia still live in the home.
“It’s the house of champions. People come from all over the world to see the Manning house,” Dave Roberts with Historic New Orleans Tours, said.
Coincidentally even their fence reads, “Champion”.
“I’ve been doing this tour for awhile and it was someone on the tour who noticed that it said ‘champion’ on the fence,” Roberts said.
He said for decades former Saint, Archie was the big draw for visitors because the boys were just in training pads.
“A lot of people in the Garden District saw the Manning’s grow up from little boys. They are a wonderful family,” Roberts said.
As time went on, both Eli and Peyton went on to successful careers in the NFL winning Super Bowl championships. Denver Broncos Quarterback, Peyton Manning is now vying for a win in this year’s Super Bowl match-up against the Seattle Seahawks.
Roberts remembers a very special day while he was giving one of his tours.
“Peyton was doing sprints up and down the street. Someone asked me if that was him, and I said, yes, but we try not to bother him. He came up to us and was very nice and polite. He answered everyone’s questions,” Roberts said.
Not every tour group gets to be so lucky, but a glimpse into where it all began is good enough for most.
There’s a lot of history on First Street. The movie JFK starring Kevin Costner was filmed in the house right next door to the Manning’s and novelist, Anne Rice’s former home is just a few blocks away.
For more information on Garden District tours and other New Orleans tours: www.tourneworleans.com