Give Arch Manning some space to grow.
That’s the sentiment Tom Brady is sharing regarding the young quarterback’s journey. At just 21 years old, Arch is facing significant scrutiny in his first season as a starter, navigating through the highs and lows that come with it.
“In front of players, he has this unique ability to fail quietly, building resilience within himself,” said the seven-time Super Bowl champion, discussing Arch’s experience in an interview with Sports Illustrated published this week.
“I believe that’s a real challenge for young athletes today because Arch seems like a genuinely good kid and a solid player.”
Arch, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has been in the public eye since his high school days. The 2025 season marks his first official year as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns, although he has been in the Texas lineup for two years while Quinn Ewers held the starting role.
His debut against Ohio State on August 30 didn’t go well; he threw one touchdown and one interception in a narrow 14-7 defeat.
Although the Longhorns managed to win three consecutive games afterward, Arch’s struggles persisted. Brady pointed to his own career to highlight that even the best athletes need time to develop their skills.
“Peyton had years to grow, Eli had years too,” Brady noted. “I also had my share of time to improve in college. People often forget who I was back then, and there’s a significant difference between how I’m viewed now compared to when I was in school. I really believe that these players should be given the time to learn and adapt.”
He added, “…I want these young athletes to maintain their confidence, especially when they’re not living up to their famous relatives’ treads at 17 or 18.”
Brady, who was picked 199th overall back in 2000, had the opportunity to refine his skills with New England before stepping into a game when he filled in for the injured Drew Bledsoe in his sophomore year.
From that point, the Patriots never looked back as Brady led them to six Super Bowl victories over the course of two decades. He later spent his final three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, clinching another Super Bowl in 2021.
Although Brady will retire this year, he plans to begin his broadcasting career with Fox in the fall of 2024 alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
As for Arch, he still has time before making a leap to the professional level, having just come off a 16-13 overtime victory against Kentucky.
Throughout his seven games this season, Arch has logged 12 touchdowns, five interceptions, and has rushed for five points.
The Longhorns are set to play Mississippi State on Saturday.
