Manning was a mega-star at Mississippi, where he was so good that some publications named him the Southeastern Conference Quarterback of the Century. Manning was the second overall pick in the 1971 Draft, and while he was exceptionally popular in New Orleans, that did not translate into many wins with the Saints.

Manning had nine losing seasons and one .500 year with the team, and while that sounds awful, pundits and fans knew he did not have much to work with.  He was named to the Pro Bowl twice (1978 & 1979), and again, while his winning record was atrocious, he was never considered in the bottom rung of NFL Quarterbacks.

His run in New Orleans ended when he was traded to Houston in 1982. As a Saint, he would have 21,734 Passing Yards, and 2,058 Rushing Yards with 18 Rushing Touchdowns.  Manning was one of the first three players to enter the Saints Ring of Honor in 2013.  He is also a charter member of the Saints Hall of Fame, entering in 1988.