In a terrifying incident that has stunned the college football world, the father of Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was seriously injured after being hit by a distracted driver in New Orleans on Monday evening. Authorities confirmed that a 58-year-old man was struck while walking with his family near the French Quarter. Upon arrival, emergency responders identified the victim as Cooper Manning, father of Arch Manning and a prominent member of the famous football dynasty.
According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. at a busy intersection near Canal Street. Witnesses said a sedan sped through a red light and struck Cooper as he was crossing the street with his wife and another family member. Bystanders quickly called 911 as the driver remained on the scene, visibly distraught.
Paramedics arrived within minutes and administered first aid before transporting Cooper Manning to University Medical Center in New Orleans. He is currently listed in critical but stable condition, suffering from multiple injuries, including broken ribs and a concussion. Medical staff say the next 24 to 48 hours will be vital for his recovery.
The New Orleans Police Department later confirmed that the 31-year-old driver admitted to being distracted by his phone and failed to see the red light. The driver has been arrested and faces charges of reckless driving, distracted driving, and causing bodily harm.
University
“We are aware of the tragic accident involving Cooper Manning, father of our quarterback Arch Manning. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the Manning family during this incredibly difficult time. Arch is with his family, and we are offering them our full support.”
Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback and heir to football royalty, has temporarily stepped away from team activities to be with his father in New Orleans. Sources close to the family say Arch is “devastated but strong,” and is focusing all his energy on his father’s recovery. Cooper Manning, known for his charisma and presence on Fox Sports’ The Manning Hour, has been a central figure in Arch’s development both as an athlete and as a person.
The incident has reignited national conversations around the dangers of distracted driving. Louisiana state officials issued a reminder about the importance of obeying traffic laws and avoiding phone use while operating a vehicle. Advocates are once again calling for stricter enforcement and more public education around distracted driving risks.
Friends and fans have started circulating the hashtag #PrayForCooper across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, showing support for the Manning family in what many are calling a time of “unimaginable stress.”
While the sports world continues its march forward, the spotlight has now shifted from the field to a hospital room in New Orleans, where one of football’s most iconic families is rallying around their patriarch.
As one Longhorns fan wrote online, “The Manning family has given so much to football. Now it’s time we give them our prayers, our love, and our strength.”
