Lafayette, LA. (KLFY)  Former New Orleans Saints Quarterback Archie Manning was named the 2016 Distinguished Citizen Wednesday by the Evangeline Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

The football legend says the gridiron taught him a lot about life. He says one of the most important lessons was about team work, one of the core values of the Boy Scouts of America.

“We need to learn, we need to experience and we need to adhere to at a young age is being part of the team…one of the most important things is being a good teammate…to be successful and be a great society I think.” said Manning.

Archie Manning has been involved with scouts for several years, serving on a board in New Orleans. He was even a Cub Scout for a year. Manning says he’s honored to be recognized by an organization he admires, especially in Lafayette, an area he loves. “To come here and be part of an organization like the Boy Scouts that does such great things in our society, to build character and develop young men and to get this honor as a distinguished citizen I’m truely humbled.”

Evangeline Area Council Commissioner Diogo Tavares says Manning’s work on and off the field makes him a role model for young people. “Somebody like Archie Manning who has had a fantastic in the NFL as a professional quarterback and then also in the community after retirement, giving back to the community. It shows young kids what they can do in the future to support others kids who come after them.

And a role model for former NFL QB Jake Delhomme and Cajuns football coach Mark Hudspeth. The three shared stories of football and life at Wednesday’s luncheon. Delhomme even brought his childhood Saints jersey with the number 8 and ‘Jake’ on the back.

The luncheon helps benefit boy scout chapters across Acadiana.