A Mississippi newspaper caused a stir among NFL fans with a misleading headline that resembled an obituary for former NFL quarterback Archie Manning.
On Tuesday, the Clarion-Ledger, the second-oldest company in the state, published an article with the alarming headline: “Archie Manning: Ole Miss football legend, dad of Eli, Peyton, grandfather of Arch, is 75.”
The headline instantly sparked concern among fans, who feared that something had happened to Manning, the second overall pick in the 1971 NFL draft and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. However, despite the ominous tone, Manning is alive and well.
To add to the confusion, the article was not published on Manning’s birthday, which is May 19, but 44 days later.
Rather than offering substantive content, the Clarion-Ledger’s piece appeared to be an effort to optimize search engine results by using a headline packed with search-friendly terms. The article itself turned out to be nothing more than a compilation of nearly every known photograph of Manning, spliced together into a massive photo album. Readers hoping for an insightful or newsworthy piece were left disappointed by the lack of actual written content.
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The publication’s approach drew criticism for its seemingly haphazard attempt to draw attention. Fans and readers were left wondering why the paper chose to commemorate Manning’s 75th birthday so belatedly and in such a peculiar manner.
Archie Manning, who has become a celebrated figure in football history not only for his own career but also as the father of NFL stars Eli and Peyton Manning and grandfather of up-and-coming player Arch Manning, deserves more thoughtful recognition than a confusing headline and a photo montage.
In the end, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of clear and considerate headline writing, especially when dealing with well-known public figures. Fans and readers alike can rest assured that Archie Manning remains in good health, continuing to enjoy his legacy and family.
