Raising Cane’s CEO and co-founder, Todd Graves, is always looking for ways to invest in the community, most often through local athletes or celebrities. He and the Cane’s brand have been able to give back through so many different prominent athletes, but perhaps none more notable in the football world than the Manning family.
So many Mannings have been a huge part of the sport during their time. Archie Manning was the first, but Peyton and Eli Manning dominated the NFL for the better part of the 2000s and 2010s. Peyton is a Hall of Famer, and Eli is up for the honor, too.
Next up is undoubtedly Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns QB that many believe could be the next NFL superstar. But before that, he and his family members came together with Graves and Raising Cane’s for the fifth consecutive year at the Manning Passing Academy.
Todd Graves and Raising Cane’s Re-up Partnership with Manning Passing Academy
Todd Graves, the now-iconic businessman behind Raising Cane’s, partnered with Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning at the 30th Annual Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana on Friday, June 26. The event was held at Nicholls State University, not far from where Graves and Cane’s got their start, and Graves made a $25,000 donation to the MPA Foundation to support the development of young athletes on and off the football field.
As is customary with these sorts of things, a massive, oversized check was given to symbolize the donation. It was presented during the annual Friday Night Lights skills showcase. This is Graves’ fifth year as the foundation’s Presenting Sponsor, bringing his donation total to $125,000.
“We’re constantly trying to upgrade the camp, but in a way, we do a lot of the same things we did in 1996,” Archie Manning said via On3. “(Friday Night Lights) is always a fun competition, and we are working hard to make it a great show.”
The festivities for Graves and Raising Cane’s were not limited to donations, though. Ever the supporter of athletics and a fan himself, Graves also sponsored the Raising Cane’s Quarterback Long Shot Challenge. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita took home the top prize, which was free Raising Cane’s for a whole year, as well as exclusive Cane’s merchandise for the arm strength and accuracy competition.
Graves also spent some time with other campers, including some of the biggest names in football: USC’s Jayden Maiava, Tennessee’s George MacIntyre, Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, as well as Texas’ Arch Manning, of course. That group includes former Heisman finalists, future Heisman finalists (undoubtedly), and likely future NFL draft picks.
The Raising Cane’s CEO also took the time to serve them out of the Cane’s food truck, offering up some advice from his own incredible success story. Dream big, work hard, and never let anyone outwork you was the primary message shared by one of modern America’s most successful businessmen.
There was some added significance for this particular camp, though. It marks 30 years of both Raising Cane’s and the Manning Passing Academy doing what they can to inspire and serve the local communities. Archie, in particular, has been a mentor to Graves as both have worked to invest in the community and help make everything better.
Conclusion
Todd Graves and the Manning family have a lot in common, so it makes perfect sense that they would partner together on this for the fifth consecutive year. In many ways, the Manning Passing Academy and Raising Cane’s have the same goals to give back and inspire the community, even if they’re in totally separate fields.
