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ATLANTA — For Georgia State quarterback Christian Veilleux, football has always been about more than just the game. This summer, that passion will take him to Thibodaux, La., where he will serve as a camp counselor at the 2025 Manning Passing Academy — a rite of passage for elite college quarterbacks and a launching pad for future NFL stars.
"It's always been something in the back of my mind that I wanted to do during my college career," Veilleux said. "It just kind of came together this year — almost by chance."
That chance came through Charlie Leob, a quarterback coach based in Atlanta who works with QB Country, a well-known quarterback training program with ties to the Manning camp. When a few spots opened up, Leob put in a word, and Veilleux got the call.
"If it wasn't for Charlie, I wouldn't be going," Veilleux said, humbly acknowledging the role of connections and timing in this opportunity.
At the camp, Veilleux won't just be tossing spirals. He'll join a roster of standout college QBs to serve as mentors for young athletes — guiding drills, overseeing competitions, and being a role model for the next generation of players.
"Ultimately, these kids want to play college football, and for them to have the top quarterbacks in the country there to mentor them is big," Veilleux said. "As long as I can impact just one kid there, I think, mission accomplished."
For the Canada-born signal caller, who began his college career at Penn State and transferred to Georgia State in 2024, it's an especially meaningful role. Growing up, he remembers idolizing older players and dreaming of the day he'd walk in their cleats.
"Just being a role model is something I always valued, and I know those kids would love that, too," he said. "If we make a real connection, I'm always open to staying in touch after the camp — texting, checking in, whatever."
While the exposure from attending a camp led by the Manning family — Archie, Peyton, and Eli — may raise his profile, Veilleux isn't thinking about buzz or branding. His focus is squarely on the personal impact.
"What I'm most excited about is just meeting that one kid who really connects with me, who feels like they can trust me and learn from me. That's what I'm going for."
Still, there's another personal bonus: a chance reunion with former Penn State teammates Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, both also attending the camp.
"We were all in the same quarterback room at Penn State in 2022," Veilleux said. "So for us all to be back together, that'll be pretty cool."
As he heads to one of the most prestigious offseason gatherings in football, Veilleux carries more than a football in hand — he carries the lessons of his journey and a heart set on giving back.
"Whether I throw a thousand passes or just help a kid believe in himself — that's what it's all about."
The Manning Passing Academy runs each summer at Nicholls State University and brings together top college quarterbacks and high school prospects from around the country. It is considered one of the most respected developmental camps in football.
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