Despite not taking a meaningful snap this season, Texas Longhorns backup quarterback Arch Manning is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the sport.
Of course, that has everything to do with his famous last name.
Regardless, that name has definite value, as evident by the earnings Manning has racked in while riding the bench in Austin this season.
As sports producer Chris Law pointed out, Manning made an impressive $3.2 million in NIL money this year.
By comparison, San Francisco 49ers star quarterback Brock Purdy is making $870,000 in salary for the 2023 season.
Arch Manning made over $3.2 Million in NIL money this year as the Texas Longhorns backup QB
Brock Purdy, the QB of the No.1 seed #FTTB & the #NFL’s odds on MVP favorite made $870,000 for the 2023 season
— Chris Law (@ChrisLaw) December 20, 2023
The interesting thing is Manning could have made significantly more money if he wanted to. He and his family previously indicated that he’s going to keep his NIL deals to a minimum, so it’s safe to assume that he turned down a number of offers.
Of course, Purdy’s (relatively) modest salary is due to the fact that he was the very last pick in his draft class.
He may have taken himself out of the MVP race with his four-interception performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Night – but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s severely out-performed his contract.
Fuck it, Brock Purdy MVP highlights
MY GOAT 🐐🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/lBV0WBJmFs
— Sandy Plashkes (@SandyPlashkes) December 23, 2023
Manning, who wasn’t the starter and not even the primary backup initially, saw Maalik Murphy stepping in during Quinn Ewers’ injury earlier in the season.
Murphy has since transferred to Duke. However, there are rumblings that Ewers may decide to come back to Austin and play another season for the Longhorns next year.
In other words, we could very well have to wait even longer to see Manning take a meaningful snap for Texas … But you can bet he will be compensated well no matter what.
Manning is a better qb so I’m ok with it
— Miguel. (@CooLMeeGz) December 22, 2023
What are your thoughts on Manning making over three-times more than Purdy?
The reality is that’s just the way things are in this brand new Wild Wild West world of NIL.
There’s no way to tell for sure right now – but who do you think will end up having the better NFL career: Purdy or Manning???
Former #Texas QB Colt McCoy talks current #Horns QB Arch Manning on Barstool's "Pardon My Take" pic.twitter.com/mtoX6UwF1Q
— Blake Munroe (@BlakeMunroe) December 21, 2023