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Arch Manning signed his first NIL deal as a college player this week, partnering with trading card company Panini America. While the news is certainly exciting for the budding freshman, it’s led to criticism online.
That blowback comes from comments made by head coach Steve Sarkisian earlier this offseason when discussing NIL influence in Arch’s commitment to the Longhorns.
When talking about the passer’s pledge, Sarkisian noted that name, image, and likeness played absolutely no role in Manning’s decision to head to Austin. In fact, he’d go on to say that his family wouldn’t even consider an NIL deal until he was “actually playing QB.”
Steve Sarkisian reiterated that Arch Manning took no NIL money to come play quarterback at Texas. Said his grandpa (Archie) and dad (Cooper) wouldn’t allow that, anyway. Sarkisian said Archie told Arch he could start accepting money when he’s actually playing QB.
— Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) April 26, 2023
Most took that to mean he’d earn money when he landed the starting job. As of now, he sits in third place on the Texas depth chart behind incumbent starter Quinn Ewers and backup Maliik Murphy.
Fans haven’t forgotten those statements, and on Tuesday they reminded the college football world on social media.
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said Arch Manning doesn’t have a NIL deal. Sarkisian said Archie Manning’s and the family’s stance is Arch can’t have a NIL deal until he becomes a college football starter.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) April 26, 2023
A number of fans criticized the Manning family following Arch’s NIL deal.
“I thought he couldn’t sign a deal until he started,” one tweet read.
I thought he could sign a deal until he started 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
— boofszn (@boofszn9) July 25, 2023
“Quinn already out of the job?” another person asked.
Coulda sworn I saw some shit about no NIL till he is starting. Quinn already out of the job?
— tonystank (@spoodermayne11) July 25, 2023
While the criticism seems somewhat warranted, it’s hard to hate on the deal. As part of the partnership, Panini America will release a one-of-one autographed trading card to be auctioned off this week. ALL proceeds of that auction will go to a Central Texas nonprofit with the help of St. David’s HealthCare and St. David’s Foundation in Austin, Texas.
At last check, the auction total sat at $30,100.
Other details of the deal remain unreleased, though we’re likely to see a few more partnerships arise now that the first domino has fallen.
We’ll see how much of an impact Manning can make on the field in the upcoming season. It’s clear he’s already making positive waves away from it.