Country’s most famous 16-year-old? Arch Manning draws crowds for autographs at Pro Football Hall of Fame

It was a big weekend for Peyton Manning as the legendary NFL quarterback and former Tennessee star was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. And his speech was received about as well as you’d expect around the sporting world.

Of course, Manning’s pedigree is well known. Father Archie was an all-time great at Ole Miss, while brother Eli made his own legacy in Oxford en route to a successful 16-season career with the New York Giants that featured 2 Super Bowl wins. But all eyes are on Arch Manning, who hopes to pave his own path in the college ranks in a couple of years and hopefully in the NFL.

And the 16-year-old cut a popular figure outside of the ceremony, spotted by Denver radio personality Darren McKee signing autographs for fans. McKee posted the below photo on his Twitter account:

Ok. Fun one. Who is this and why is he signing autographs ? pic.twitter.com/yUVFKldIrO

— Darren McKee (@DMacSportsCO) August 8, 2021

The buzz surrounding Arch Manning even as a high-schooler is palpable, and it’s understandable considering the football careers his grandfather and 2 uncles have enjoyed. He’ll face high expectations all throughout his own career wherever he ends up, and only time will tell whether he can ultimately live up to them.

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.