The film, narrated by John Goodman, explores how tragedy shaped one of the most influential families in professional sports history

The third season of ESPN Films’ “SEC Storied” documentary series will kick off with The Book of Manning Presented by Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The film will explore the personal and professional life of former NFL and Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning and how the sudden loss of his father impacted his life and the way he and his wife raised their three sons.  

ESPN conducted a media conference call today in advance of the premiere of The Book of Manning. Archie Manning, director Rory Karpf and ESPN Films executive producer John Dahl discuss the next film in the SEC Storied documentary series. Read the transcript here: http://es.pn/1guV5fO

A father-and-son story written into the pages of football folklore, it can be argued that no family has had more influence on a sport than the Mannings. Archie – the patriarch – a star quarterback at the University of Mississippi and then with the New Orleans Saints, followed by oldest son Cooper, whose football dreams were cut short by a spinal condition, then sons Peyton and Eli – both of them quarterbacks, All-SEC, number one draft picks, back-to-back Super Bowl champions and MVPs.

Narrated by actor John Goodman, The Book of Manning features revealing interviews with Archie, Olivia, Cooper, Peyton and Eli Manning along with other family members, friends, former teammates and coaches as well as never-before-seen photos and home movie footage of Archie and his sons.  Through it all, director Rory Karpf explores how a tragedy shaped the course of not only Archie’s life, but his family’s as well.

*Digital screeners and promotional photos for The Book of Manning available upon request*

Following the film’s debut on ESPN, ESPNU will air Story Behind Storied, a special director’s cut of the making of the ESPNU “SEC Storied” series of films. The special will recap all nine of the films in the series thus far and show never-before-seen footage from certain films. ESPNU will then re-air The Book of Manning at 10 p.m. followed by a classic Ole Miss game featuring NFL MVP quarterback Eli Manning and a Tennessee game with NFL MVP Peyton Manning.

ESPN Films launched the Storied documentary series in September 2011, presenting fans the opportunity to explore the rich athletic history of the Southeastern Conference. From extraordinary athletes and coaches to defining games and moments, the Storied series features films that focus on the SEC’s recent and more distant past.

About ESPN Films

Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody Award-winning, Producer’s Guild Award-winning and Emmy-nominated 30 for 30 film series. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the webby award winning 30 for 30 Shorts. For more information on 30 for 30, go to espn.com/30for30/.

SEC on ESPN                                                       

ESPN, Inc., and the Southeastern Conference entered into a landmark 15-year agreement for extensive football, men’s and women’s basketball, Olympic sports and conference championship content across multiple ESPN entities beginning with the 2009-10 academic year. As a result, ESPN Regional Television became the over-the-air syndication home for Southeastern Conference programming and the largest college sports syndication television package in the country. In 2012, SEC Network basketball games were distributed in 77 local television markets, representing 50.4 million homes, which is 44% of the U.S.; 2011 SEC Network football games were distributed in 99 local television markets, representing 79.1 million homes, which is 69% of the U.S.

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Media Contact:

ESPN Films: Jennifer Cingari, (646) 547-5840 or [email protected]