BREAKING: Major Superstar Controversially “Opts Out” Of CFB Video Game & Fans Are PISSED … Is He A Hero Or Spoiled Brat??

Casey Kaye
By Casey Kaye

Believe it or not, one of the biggest stories of the college football offseason is the return of the EA Sports College Football video game.

Apologies to those old-school souls who truly don’t give a rat’s ass about this, but it’s true … The long-awaited return of the video game is a massive deal for most college football fans.

Interestingly, it was the implementation of NIL which made the return of the game possible.

EA Sports had extended an enticing offer of $600 along with a complimentary copy of the game to each and every player who opts to be featured in the game (titled “College Football 25”).

Whether you believe $600 is fair payment or not, the fact of the matter is it’s a “take it or leave it” offer for players – at least for this year.

As it stands now, there is no room to negotiate for more pay, just like there is no competing college football video game to take your likeliness to.

In other words, there is virtually no downside to a player opting in … No matter how “professional” college players have become, it’s still a dream come true for most of them to be able to play as themselves in a video game – and more importantly, know that countless others are playing as them as well.

Needless to say, the vast majority of college football players immediately opted into the game.

“In the little over one week, over 10,000 athletes across the FBS have opted-in to the offer with more saying ‘yes’ every hour,” Daryl Holt, senior vice president and group general manager for EA Sports’ Tiburon Studios and American football division, told ESPN. “We’re excited to welcome more athletes in the weeks ahead and to debut this first class of athletes in the game when it launches this summer.”

Many have wondered if there would be any players who opted out of the game. And if there was, what could possibly be the reason for their decision?

Well, surprisingly, we have our first name of someone who did – and it just happens to be one of the most prestigious names in football history.

That’s right, Texas (backup) quarterback Arch Manning has opted out of College Football 25!

“Multiple people have told me Texas redshirt quarterback Arch Manning will not opt into EA Sports College Football 25. I’m told Arch is focused on playing football on the field,” Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods.com reported on X.Ā 

With the game set to make its long-awaited return this summer, anticipation has been steadily building. The franchise has been dormant for over a decade, with the last installment of (then-titled) “NCAA Football” releasing 11 years ago.

While the vast majority of star players – including Longhorns starting quarterback Quinn Ewers – have already opted in, Manning’s stance is a strange one that many fans not only don’t understand but are downright angry with.

They let their feelings known loud and clear on social media…

“Does he think he actually gets transported into the game? Otherwise this reasoning makes no sense.”

“I mean he goes to Texas, the lack of education would make some sense.”

“Heā€™s making it more about him by decliningā€¦ lol.”

“Hereā€™s a $600 check …Ā ā€˜Sorry, I canā€™t. Iā€™m footballing.ā€™”

“Didnā€™t bother him when he took a few million.”

“Iā€™d argue opting out creates more distractions and headlines but okay.”

“Makes no sense. More of a distraction to not be in it. Now heā€™ll have to answer questions about it 24/7.”

“Forget the gamers that are disappointed, but this also makes very little sense from his perspective too …Ā Heā€™s not going to be able to hold out for more money when 90% of FBS players have already opted in (with 2 months to go). He only wouldā€™ve had leverage if college football was unionized and a large majority was holding out from EA …Ā And thereā€™s no correlation between opting in & whether youā€™re ā€œfocused on playing footballā€ so thatā€™s BS.”

“How would that affect his play on the field?”

“Would only impact his clipboard holding on the sideline.”

“Guess heā€™s not opting into the starting job either.”

“Leave the kid alone I mean dam, itā€™s a video game.”

“Yeah its a game, dude gets $600 for free and wants to be different by declining it weird behavior.”

“Bro doesnā€™t wanna get clowned on for being low overall.”

“Um wat I don’t get it…wat does being in a video game have to do with playing on the field?”

“Smart. His rating would be too high and he needs to stay humble and hungry.”

“LOCKED IN!!! … Manningā€™s arenā€™t about that social media video game nonsense. All about their business.”

“You can focus on football while collecting your $600 check to be in the game. If he gets offered to be an ambassador, he can simply decline if it’s too big of a time commitment.”

“He’s just setting his value. Nobody is getting his NIL for $600.”

“Focused on playing on the fieldā€????? … The rest of the players in college football are focused on playing on the field as well!”

Although the Manning family has many haters, the truth is they are nothing but respectful and always make their decisions with the best intentions in mind.

Having said that, I think it’s a mistake for Arch to opt out.

His “I’m focused on playing football on the field” stance is as misguided as it is confusing.

Knowing the Mannings, I’m sure Arch just didn’t want to take attention away from Texas starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.

He didn’t want fans to bench Ewers for himself in the game. He didn’t want fans of other teams snagging him in the transfer portal (which you can do in the game) and post photos and videos of him playing for a team other than the Longhorns.

As selfless (and possibly delusional) as that may sound, it’s most likely the case knowing how the Mannings operate.

In other words, I don’t believe this was a money-grab by Manning. I don’t think this was him saying “take you $600 and shove it! My likeliness is worth way more than that!” … Just like I (certainly) don’t believe the decision was any sort of attention-seeking play.

Of course, the Manning haters won’t agree with me. However, I truly think his intentions were pure.

Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if Arch realizes he made a mistake and changes his mind.

What are your thoughts on Manning’s decision to opt out of the game?

Do you think his intentions were good, but just a little misguided?

Or do you think he’s a spoiled brat who can’t be bothered for a measly $600???

 

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