Irving, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Archie Manning has decided to take a leave of absence from the College Football Playoff selection committee for the remainder of the 2014 season because of health reasons.
Manning said he would be unable to travel for the selection committee meetings because he will undergo surgery next month to help relieve discomfort he is experiencing while walking and moving around.
"It is an honor to serve on this committee, and I enjoy the group and was looking forward to the opportunity ahead," Manning said in a statement Monday. "My health had to be my primary concern and I intend to be up and about as soon as possible."
Manning was one of the 13 committee members that will select the four teams for the college football playoff. He will not be replaced and the group will continue with only 12.
"We will miss Archie," said College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock. "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 has been meeting since November 2013 and will begin to issue rankings on a weekly basis next Tuesday. The selections of the four teams for the playoff will take place Dec. 7.
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