It’s been a busy month of awards for Archie Manning. Announced earlier today, he now be awarded the Walter Camp Distinguished American Award. Manning will accept the award during the organization’s awards dinner at Yale University in January.

The award is given each year to an individual who has had success in business, private life or public service, or those which have accomplished that which no other has done. The recipient does not have to have played football (Walter Camp is known by many as the ‘Father of American Football’). However, he or she must understand lessons of self-denial, cooperation and teamwork that the sport teaches.

“Archie Manning became an icon as one of the greatest players to ever set foot on the gridiron, and he subsequently used his standing to become one of the game’s greatest ambassadors,” said The National Football Foundation (NFF) President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “The entire football community has been blessed by his contributions, and we take great pride in having him as our chairman. It is wonderful to see these organizations recognize his enormous impact and service to the game.”

Manning stared at quarterback for Ole Miss from 1968 to 1970. Twice he was named an All-American. In the NFL, he was a Pro-Bowler for the Saints on two occasions. He has been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. In addition to serving as the Chairman of the NFF, Manning runs a passing academy for high school quarterbacks. He is also involved in a handful of charitable causes such as the Special Olympics.

Past winners of the award include Verne Lundquist, Joe Theismann and Dick Vermeil. Additionally, Manning will receive the SEC’s Michael L. Slive Distinguished Service Award this weekend at the SEC Championship game in Atlanta between Alabama and Georgia.