EJ Manuel – ACC Network Analyst Shares Insights on Spring Football Developments
Former NFL quarterback EJ Manuel has found a new home on our television screens as a key analyst for the ACC Network. The Florida State standout joined the network in 2019 and quickly established himself as an insightful voice on college football programming, particularly on ACCN’s flagship show “The Huddle.” Manuel’s transition from first-round NFL draft pick to broadcasting has given viewers valuable perspective from someone who experienced both ACC championship success and the professional ranks firsthand.
Manuel’s football journey prepared him well for this role. After leading Florida State to an ACC championship and Orange Bowl victory in his senior year, he was selected 16th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2013 NFL Draft. This experience playing at the highest levels gives his analysis authentic weight when breaking down quarterback play and offensive schemes during ACC football broadcasts.
His media presence extends beyond television, with Manuel maintaining active social media accounts where he engages with nearly 90,000 Instagram followers and regularly discusses ACC football on platforms like SiriusXM’s ACC Today. His personable approach combined with technical knowledge has made him a respected voice in college football broadcasting circles.
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Early Years and High School Career
EJ Manuel’s journey to becoming an ACC Network analyst began in Virginia Beach, where he established himself as one of the region’s premier high school quarterbacks. His athletic prowess and leadership at Bayside High School set the foundation for his future success.
Virginia Beach Roots
Manuel grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he developed his passion for football at an early age. The coastal city has produced several notable athletes over the years, and Manuel would soon add his name to that distinguished list.
His natural athleticism wasn’t limited to the gridiron. Manuel also excelled in basketball during his early years, showcasing his versatility as a multi-sport athlete.
The Virginia Beach community played a significant role in shaping his competitive spirit and work ethic. Local youth programs provided Manuel with the fundamentals that would later serve him well at higher levels of competition.
Bayside High School Achievements
At Bayside High School, Manuel blossomed into one of Virginia’s elite quarterback prospects. His commanding presence in the pocket and ability to make plays with both his arm and legs caught the attention of major college programs.
Manuel earned prestigious All-Tidewater and All-State honors during his high school career, cementing his status as one of Virginia’s top players. His senior season performance was particularly impressive, earning him Parade All-American recognition.
Manuel’s High School Accolades:
- All-Tidewater selection
- All-State honoree
- Parade All-American
- Ranked among top quarterback prospects nationally
College recruiters flocked to Bayside to witness Manuel’s combination of size, arm strength, and mobility. His decision to attend Florida State would ultimately lead him to prominence in the ACC conference he now covers professionally.
Florida State Seminoles-era
EJ Manuel carved out an exceptional legacy during his time at Florida State University, establishing himself as one of the program’s most accomplished quarterbacks. His tenure with the Seminoles showcased his impressive accuracy, leadership abilities, and clutch performances in crucial bowl games.
Collegiate Achievements
Manuel developed into a cornerstone for the Seminoles program under legendary coach Bobby Bowden and later Jimbo Fisher. The Virginia Beach native earned All-ACC honors during his collegiate career, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and runner.
Manuel’s leadership qualities became evident as he guided FSU back to national prominence. He compiled a remarkable 25-6 record as a starter, one of the best winning percentages in program history.
The quarterback’s academic achievements matched his on-field excellence, earning ACC All-Academic Team honors multiple times while completing his undergraduate degree in media and communication studies.
| Season | Passing Yards | TD Passes | Completion % | W-L Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2,066 | 10 | 65.3% | 3-1 |
| 2010 | 861 | 4 | 69.9% | 4-0 |
| 2011 | 2,666 | 18 | 65.3% | 9-4 |
| 2012 | 3,392 | 23 | 68.0% | 12-2 |
Record-Breaking Moments
Manuel etched his name in FSU record books as the program’s all-time leader in completion percentage at 66.9%, which also ranks among the top marks in ACC history. This remarkable accuracy demonstrated his precision as a passer and command of the offense.
His senior season proved particularly impressive as he threw for 3,392 yards with 23 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions. Manuel’s ability to limit mistakes while delivering big plays made him one of the conference’s most efficient passers.
The 2012 campaign featured multiple standout performances, including a five-touchdown game against Duke and a clutch fourth-quarter comeback against Virginia Tech. These moments solidified his reputation as a composed leader in pressure situations.
Manuel’s 7,736 career passing yards place him among Florida State’s top five all-time passers, an impressive feat considering the program’s rich quarterback history.
Gator Bowl and Orange Bowl Glories
Manuel’s bowl game performances cemented his legacy as a big-game performer. In the 2010 Gator Bowl against West Virginia, he delivered an MVP performance in Bobby Bowden’s final game as head coach, throwing for 189 yards and rushing for another 70 in an emotional 33-21 victory.
His crowning achievement came in the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl against Northern Illinois. Manuel orchestrated a dominant 31-10 victory, completing 26 of 38 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground.
These bowl victories bookended Manuel’s career perfectly and demonstrated his growth from promising understudy to confident field general. His Orange Bowl triumph capped a 12-2 senior season that returned FSU to national prominence.
The former NFL first-round pick also claimed Senior Bowl MVP honors after his final collegiate season, further boosting his draft stock before being selected 16th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2013.
Professional Football Career
EJ Manuel’s NFL journey spanned five seasons, beginning with high expectations as a first-round draft pick before ultimately settling into a backup role. His career included a promising rookie start in Buffalo followed by declining playing time and a final stint with the Raiders.
Buffalo Bills Drafting and Tenure
The Buffalo Bills selected EJ Manuel with the 16th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, making him the only quarterback taken in the first round that year. The former Florida State standout signed a four-year, $8.9 million rookie contract that was fully guaranteed.
Manuel started 10 games his rookie season, throwing for 1,972 yards with 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. His career began with promise, including a last-second victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.
Injuries hampered his development, causing him to miss six games during his rookie campaign. By 2014, Manuel lost his starting job to veteran Kyle Orton after just four games.
The following seasons saw Manuel’s role diminish further as Tyrod Taylor took over quarterback duties. Manuel made just three more starts between 2015-2016 before the Bills declined his fifth-year option.
Transition to Oakland Raiders
After four disappointing seasons in Buffalo, Manuel signed a one-year contract worth $800,000 with the Oakland Raiders in March 2017. The move reunited him with offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who had previously served as his quarterback coach in Buffalo.
With the Raiders, Manuel settled into a backup role behind established starter Derek Carr. He appeared in two games during the 2017 season, starting one contest against the Baltimore Ravens when Carr was injured.
In that start, Manuel completed 13 of 26 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown in a 30-17 loss. His final NFL statistics showed limited production:
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 30 |
| Games Started | 18 |
| Passing Yards | 3,767 |
| Touchdowns | 20 |
| Interceptions | 16 |
| Completion % | 58.1 |
Manuel competed with AJ McCarron for the backup position in 2018, but was released during final roster cuts, effectively ending his NFL playing career.
Retirement and Post-NFL Endeavors
EJ Manuel transitioned seamlessly from the playing field to the broadcast booth after hanging up his cleats in 2019. His retirement decision was directly influenced by an opportunity that would keep him connected to the game he loves.
Broadcasting Career
EJ Manuel officially announced his retirement from professional football in May 2019 after six seasons in the NFL. The former first-round draft pick made a calculated career move, trading his helmet for a microphone when a promising broadcasting opportunity emerged.
“If I didn’t have this opportunity, I would still be playing,” Manuel revealed about his transition to broadcasting. His decision wasn’t about declining abilities but rather seizing a chance to remain involved with football in a different capacity.
Manuel quickly established himself as a respected analyst, bringing firsthand quarterback experience to his commentary. His articulate delivery and football knowledge made the transition appear effortless.
ACC Network Involvement
Manuel joined the ACC Network in 2019 as a studio analyst for “The Huddle,” the network’s signature football program. His Florida State background made him an ideal fit for covering Atlantic Coast Conference football.
On “The Huddle,” Manuel works alongside a talented crew including Kelsey Riggs, Wes Durham, Eric Mac Lain, and former Miami coach Mark Richt. The chemistry between these personalities has helped establish the show as a must-watch for ACC football fans.
Manuel’s analysis focuses primarily on quarterback play and offensive strategies, areas where his playing experience provides unique insights. As an ESPN Press Room bio notes, his first-round draft pedigree adds credibility to his commentary.
His work with the ACC Network has proven to be a successful second act, contributing to his estimated $10 million net worth as of 2024.
Manuel’s Impact on Football
EJ Manuel left an enduring mark on college football through his exceptional performance at Florida State and his continued influence as an analyst. His combination of athletic ability and football intelligence translated from the field to the broadcast booth.
Legacy at Florida State
EJ Manuel stands as one of the most productive quarterbacks in Florida State history. During his tenure from 2009-2012, Manuel led the Seminoles to an impressive 25-6 record as a starter, cementing his place among FSU’s elite signal-callers.
Manuel’s statistical achievements remain noteworthy years later. He finished his collegiate career with over 7,700 passing yards and maintained an excellent completion percentage, placing him among the most accurate passers in FBS history at that time.
What set Manuel apart was his ability to win meaningful games. He led Florida State to an ACC Championship and an Orange Bowl victory, ending his college career on a high note before becoming a first-round NFL Draft selection.
Contribution to College Football Discourse
Since joining ACC Network in 2019, Manuel has become a valued voice in college football analysis. As a studio analyst on “The Huddle,” ACCN’s signature football show, he brings firsthand knowledge of high-level quarterback play to viewers.
Manuel co-hosts “In Play” with Kelsey Riggs and frequently contributes to other ESPN programs, expanding his analytical reach beyond just ACC coverage.
His recent analysis of Virginia football noted the program was “definitely improved”, showcasing his ability to identify development in struggling programs.
Manuel’s perspective as a former first-round pick who experienced both college success and professional challenges gives him unique credibility when breaking down quarterback play and team dynamics for viewers across the college football landscape.
Media Presence and Personal Life
EJ Manuel has built a significant media presence since retiring from professional football. His transition to broadcasting has allowed fans to see a different side of the former quarterback as he shares insights from his playing days.
Social Media Interactions
EJ Manuel maintains an active presence on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. He frequently engages with fans, shares analysis of college football games, and promotes his appearances on ACC Network.
His commentary often includes breakdowns of quarterback play, especially focusing on ACC teams.
Manuel’s social media approach is refreshingly authentic. He doesn’t shy away from discussing controversial calls or providing honest assessments of players and teams. This transparency has earned him respect among the college football community.
During Florida State games, Manuel’s Twitter activity spikes noticeably. He offers real-time reactions while maintaining his analytical perspective, balancing his alumni loyalty with professional objectivity.
Life Beyond the Game
After signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2019, Manuel made the surprising decision to retire from professional football. This career pivot allowed him to join the ACC Network, where he quickly established himself as a knowledgeable analyst.
Family plays an important role in Manuel’s post-playing life. The Virginia native often references his upbringing in Virginia Beach and his time at Bayside High School as formative to his character and work ethic.
Manuel’s connections to his alma mater remain strong. As a former Florida State quarterback who led the Seminoles to an ACC championship and Orange Bowl victory, he brings firsthand experience when discussing the conference’s teams and rivalries.
His broadcasting schedule with the ACC Network keeps him busy during football season, appearing on “The Huddle” and other programming as a studio analyst.
EJ Manuel’s Influence in ACC and NCAA
EJ Manuel has transformed from Florida State quarterback to influential media personality since joining the ACC Network. His football knowledge and communication skills have made him a respected voice in college sports broadcasting, particularly for Atlantic Coast Conference coverage.
ACC Network Analysis and Commentary
Manuel became one of the stars of the ACC Network shortly after its 2019 launch. Despite having no prior on-camera experience, he quickly established himself as a natural analyst on “The Huddle” and co-host of “In Play” with Kelsey Riggs.
His transition to broadcasting came at a pivotal time. Manuel gave up a potential NFL career to pursue media opportunities, a decision that proved astute as he developed into a respected voice across ESPN platforms.
Manuel’s firsthand experience as a former ACC quarterback gives his analysis authenticity. He provides insights on quarterback play, offensive schemes, and the mental aspects of college football that many analysts cannot match.
Legacy in College Athletics
Manuel’s playing career at Florida State led the Seminoles to an ACC championship and Orange Bowl victory. His media presence keeps him connected to the college football landscape while elevating ACC coverage.
His work across multiple platforms includes regular appearances on ESPN and SiriusXM’s College Sports Today. These appearances have helped increase visibility for ACC programs and players.
Manuel represents a new generation of athlete-turned-analyst who bridges the gap between playing and broadcasting. His success story serves as a blueprint for other former players looking to transition to media careers.
The respect Manuel commands comes from his preparation and genuine enthusiasm for college football. He is particularly passionate about ACC competition, where his roots remain strong.
