Eli Manning wants Arch Manning to be drafted by the New York Jets

Retired New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning wants his nephew, Arch Manning, to be drafted by the New York Jets, according to comments made on Barstool’s Pardon My Take podcast. The two-time Super Bowl champion revealed the preference despite playing his entire professional career with the Giants, citing proximity and family convenience as his primary motivations.

Eli Manning Explains His Selfish Reasons for Wanting Arch Manning on the Jets

While speaking on the podcast, Eli Manning laid out two distinct ways he viewed the potential landing spot for his nephew, who currently plays quarterback at Texas. He acknowledged that his desire for a Jets selection stems entirely from personal convenience rather than football logistics.

For purely selfish reasons, I wouldn’t mind if he went to the Jets, just because I live right there, I could go to games, I could have dinner with him during the week a little bit. I think it’d be great for him to have some family nearby, so I wouldn’t mind him going to the Jets, being up in New York…that’s just my selfish reasons and I think he could help them.

Eli Manning

Eli Manning still lives in the New York area following his retirement. He also noted that if Arch eventually reaches the NFL, he remains available to offer guidance whenever asked. If there’s advice he’s looking for, he knows I’m a text away or a call away, Eli Manning said on the podcast.

The 2027 NFL Draft Outlook and Current Jets Standing

Arch Manning has not yet officially declared for the NFL Draft, but the quarterback is widely projected to be a high selection and an early Day 1 pick should he enter. Both of his uncles, Eli and Peyton Manning, were selected first overall in their respective drafts, though Eli was traded to the Giants from the Chargers on draft night.

The New York Jets hold a 1-3 record for the 2026 NFL season. The franchise holds three first-round draft picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, giving the team enough draft capital to potentially move to the top of the selection board.

Family Loyalties Clash Ahead of Upcoming Ole Miss and Texas Matchup

Aside from NFL draft discussions, Eli Manning addressed his family loyalties regarding an upcoming college football game. His alma mater, Ole Miss, faces Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns on Oct. 24 in Austin. When asked about his allegiance for that matchup, Eli Manning kept his answer straightforward. You root for family, he said. I’m gonna root for my nephew to win every single game that he plays in, and that’s just the way it is.