Archie Manning Talks Leadership in Denver

On Wednesday, April 30th Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) welcomed football legend Archie Manning as the speaker for their 10th annual Executive Luncheon fundraiser. The event, which took place at the Seawell Grand Ballroom in Denver, drew over 850 attendees to hear the father of Peyton and Eli Manning tell humorous stories and reflect on what it means to be a leader on the field, as a father, as a husband and as a businessman.

“A word much discussed but little understood,” was how he described leadership. In Manning’s opinion, there are three ways to be a leader: thinking like one (by seeing obstacles as opportunities), setting goals like one, and acting like one.

“The bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity for success,” he told the crowd.

Manning spoke a great deal about overcoming adversity, something his family has achieved many times. His other son, Cooper, suffered a spinal cord injury in college and had to stop playing ball. And Peyton suffered a neck injury then famously went on to win 5 MVP awards after four surgeries.

“I know what it’s like to lose loved ones, a ton of football hams and most all of your city,” Manning said. “But at the end of every storm, the sun will shine.”

The event raised a total of more than $422,000, the 2nd most successful Executive Luncheon ever. The funds will benefit JFS, which provides quality mental health counseling, offers training and job placement to those with developmental disabilities and provides financial aid to those in crisis. A nonprofit community agency, JFS serves people regardless of age, race, faith or income.

Manning retired from the NFL in 1985 after an accolade-filled 15-year career. Since then, he has devoted his life to his family and to causes he believes in, supporting the Special Olympics, Boy Scouts of America, The Salvation Army and the United Way. His presence and speech at the JFS Executive Luncheon was definitely an inspiration to attendees.

“My challenge is to be a better leader every day, every way” he finished off with. Wise words!