Video: NFL Icon Peyton Manning Says He's 'Proud' of Arch Manning for Staying at Texas

Former NFL legend Peyton Manning says he is "proud" his nephew Arch Manning decided to return to Texas after his redshirt freshman season.

Arch Manning, who made just two appearances for Steve Sarkisian in 2023, is backing up quarterback Quinn Ewers during his second year with the Longhorns.

"I'm proud of Arch," Peyton Manning said Friday on The Pat McAfee Show (1:15 mark.) "I'm proud of him. Like you said, most kids probably wouldn't have stayed in that situation."

The former NFL quarterback continued: "He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college there. He wanted to play for Sark. Those are the right reasons you should choose a college, and I'm glad he's staying there.

"He and Quinn have a great relationship. I think Quinn's gonna have a great year."

Peyton Manning then confirmed that he was watching when his nephew was called onto the field late in Texas' season-opening 52-0 blowout of Colorado State.

Arch Manning connected on both of his two pass attempts, finding tight end Johntay Cook III for a 40-yard completion before sending a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Silas Bolden.

"It was fun to see him get in there, Pat," Peyton Manning told McAfee. "My dad's speed and athletic ability kind of skipped a generation. It went to him. It did not come to me and Eli. So he can run, he can move.

"And the celebration on the sideline, hey, I have no clue when it comes that. But I'm happy for him."

Ewers will start again, while Arch Manning will look for another opportunity to play in relief, when Texas returns to action on Saturday on the road against Michigan.