THIBODAUX, La. – For one weekend each summer, Thibodaux becomes the epicenter of quarterback development. The 29th annual Manning Passing Academy is underway at Nicholls State University, drawing a mix of legendary football names, college standouts, and rising pros for four days of high-level instruction and mentorship.
Led by football’s first family—Archie Manning, two-time Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning, and their brother Cooper—the camp continues to grow in prestige while staying rooted in its Louisiana home.
“They take great care of us here at Nicholls State,” said Archie Manning. “The administration, the athletic department, the coaching staff, and the community provide great hospitality. We’ve had offers to go to bigger places, but we’re happy right here.”
This year’s camp features 50 college quarterbacks serving as counselors for 1,450 campers ranging from eighth grade to high school seniors. Among the counselors are several names familiar to Louisiana football fans: LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Texas’ Arch Manning, Louisiana’s Walker Howard, and former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah.
For Nussmeier, who’s back for a second year as a counselor, the camp is both a teaching opportunity and a reunion.
“It’s an awesome opportunity getting to see different quarterbacks that I’ve known for a long time,” he said. “Getting to catch up with guys that I’ve played with or against like Max [Johnson] and Walker [Howard] is such a cool experience.”
Making a rare return this year is New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Although most players don’t come back to the camp after reaching the NFL, Shough felt compelled to return.
“For me, the relationship I’ve built around the Mannings continues to grow,” he said. “I had such a great experience two years ago, I wanted to come back. I’m now only an hour down the road, and we have some free time during the offseason, so why not come back to help and be around these kids? It’s such a fun experience.”
And Shough isn’t just there for the photo ops—he’s taking part in drills and workouts.
“On Thursday, I was throwing with some of the receivers,” he said. “I’ll also be throwing on Saturday with some of the college guys.”
Peyton Manning praised Shough’s willingness to return and give back.
“Once these guys get drafted, it’s hard to get them back,” Peyton said. “The fact that Tyler reached out to my dad and said he wants to come back and work as a counselor says a lot about him.”
Shough also had a message for the campers: “Enjoy the experience. Don’t worry about all the preseason stuff, just go out there and attack every single rep, and the rest will take care of itself.”
The camp has a rich history of featuring future NFL stars. Past counselors include Patrick Mahomes (2016), Josh Allen (2017), Dak Prescott (2013–14), and Saints head coach Kellen Moore (2010).
This year’s lineup also includes a visit from former Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden, who’s lending his insight to both counselors and campers throughout the weekend.
As it nears its third decade, the Manning Passing Academy remains one of football’s premier offseason events—a gathering where experience meets potential, and where the next generation of quarterbacks is built from the ground up in the heart of Louisiana.
