Archie Manning Takes Leave from College Football Playoff Committee Due to Health

The College Football Playoff committee lost one of its most visible members for the remainder of the season Monday, as Archie Manning, 65, has been forced to remove himself from the 2014 selection process due to health concerns.  

Manning released a statement discussing his decision, courtesy of CollegeFootballPlayoff.com:

Manning said he would undergo surgery next month to help relieve discomfort he is experiencing while walking and moving around. He will be unable to travel to the meetings. ...

... Manning said, 'It is an honor to serve on this committee, and I enjoy the group and was looking forward to the opportunity ahead. My health had to be my primary concern, and I intend to be up and about as soon as possible.'

Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff, also provided a statement discussing the news:

We will miss Archie. He has such a great knowledge of college football and history with the game, but we all understand his reason for taking a leave. I wish him all the best and look forward to his return in 2015.

The committee will stay with 12 members this season, per the press release. ESPN's Joe Schad reports what that would mean in the event of a standstill:

Chris Mortensen of ESPN first reported Manning was opting to resign from the committee:

Per Mortensen, Manning had knee replacement surgery earlier in the year and will require another surgery next month. Following a back surgery in 2013, Manning simply needs some time to mend.

An Ole Miss legend—he was the starting QB from 1968-70—Manning was selected second overall in the 1971 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints, where he played for 11 seasons. His last season came with the Minnesota Vikings in 1984, when he was 35.