<\/p>\n
Vandegrift offensive lineman Carter Mannon (77) walks the sideline during the game against Manor at Vandegrift High School on Friday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
After\u00a0Vandegrift High School won its state football championship last fall,<\/a> an exhausted Carter Mannon<\/a> fell asleep upon his arrival back home in Austin. The gold medal he earned that afternoon in Arlington was still draped around his neck.<\/p>\n This was Mannon’s finest hour. A year after he had considered quitting football, following a well-publicized 2023 incident regarding his peanut allergy<\/a> and an alleged attack by former Lake Travis teammates,\u00a0Mannon’s love for the game was restored.\u00a0All it took was a change of scenery and a brand new team <\/a>that believes in him.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Mannon says he\u2019s at peace with himself and eager for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n Vandegrift tackle Carter Mannon (77) looks to the bench in the first quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Now a senior, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive tackle is in his final season of high school football. Although there are no guarantees the Vipers will repeat as Class 6A Division II state champions, it’s likely Vandegrift will still be playing when the playoffs begin in November<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vandegrift wide receiver Ontario Jackmon (15)\u00a0 outstrips a tackle attempt from Vista Ridge defensive back Carson Miller (6) in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift wide receiver Brock Chilton (1) runs the ball into the end zone to score in the fourth quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift defensive back Tobias Gray (8) attempts to stop a run from Vista Ridge wide receiver DeShaun Castillo (1) in the second quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge quarterback Cameron Lacek (10) prepares to take the field with his team ahead of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The Vandegrift Vipers play the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift quarterback Miles Teodecki (12) takes a tackle from Vista Ridge linebacker CJ Milligan (42) in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift quarterback Miles Teodecki (12) slides down after advancing the ball in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift running back Justin Moore (3) evades a tackle attempt from Vista Ridge linebacker Wyatt Porowski (40) and braces for a tackle from defensive back Dylan Gonzales (16) in the first quarter between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge wide receiver DeShaun Castillo (1) runs the ball in the second quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge quarterback Cameron Lacek (10) slots a pass to a teammate in the first quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge quarterback Cameron Lacek (10) is sacked by Vandegrift defensive lineman Gavin Law (94) in the first quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift running back Justin Moore (3) runs through a tackle attempt from Vista Ridge linebacker Wyatt Porowski (40) in the first quarter between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift tackle Carter Mannon (77) listens to teammates during a huddle in the first quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge tight end Mason Kuehn (14) runs out of a tackle in the first quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge wide receiver Will Johnson (12) receives the ball in the second quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge wide receiver Will Johnson (12) returns the ball in the second quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The Vandegrift defense celebrate a defensive play in the second quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman The Vista Ridge student section throw water to begin the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge wide receiver DeShaun Castillo (1) runs the ball past defense from Vandegrift linebacker Luke Davis (39) defensive back Griffin Gorrebeeck (0) in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift quarterback Miles Teodecki (12) passes the ball over the defense in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift running back Sam Brown (40) gets through the defense to advance the ball in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift running back Sam Brown (40) runs through the defense in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vandegrift wide receiver Brock Chilton (1) runs the ball up the sideline in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Vista Ridge wide receiver Kieran Paegle (5) spins to evade the defense and advance the ball in the third quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman Austin Vandegrift goes against Southlake Carroll during the 6A DII UIL Texas State Football Championship game on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.<\/p>\n Provided by Smiley Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n “It’s a completely different environment here at Vandegrift,” Mannon recently told the American-Statesman at his home in northwest Austin. “It’s truly a family. It’s a player-led program and that’s my favorite thing about it. We keep each other accountable. We’re really a close-knit team and that’s what makes us a good team. We’re connected.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Vandegrift head coach Drew Sanders describes Mannon as a valued leader.<\/p>\n “Carter is a kid that every day he’s going to be talking to me about something,” Sanders said. “He is always so engaging and he seems to be enjoying where he is. I sense that he is happy to be a Viper football player. I can see how he’d sleep with his medal. I think he’s really proud to be a Viper and being a contributing team member.”<\/p>\n Mannon said he’s proud to be a state champion, but the “journey” to that 24-17 victory over\u00a0Southlake Carroll last December at AT&T Stadium in Arlington made it more rewarding. The lineman was “in a dark place” when he decided to change his life.<\/p>\n Sanders told players what happened to Mannon at Lake Travis before the new kid walked into their Vipers field house for the first time. Most of them already knew his story.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n MORE: 60 Austin-area football players having breakout seasons<\/a><\/p>\n A football journey that began with challenges<\/p>\n Mannon was a sophomore lineman for Lake Travis when an incident Oct. 6, 2023, inside the Cavaliers locker room shook him to his core. The team was slated to play\u00a0Del Valle. He and a few of his teammates discussed dinner plans; one suggested they gather at Texas Roadhouse. Mannon balked, saying that restaurant is known for having peanut shells on the floor, and he’s allergic to peanuts.<\/p>\n Two of\u00a0Mannon’s teammates asked whether peanuts could kill him.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “It absolutely could kill me,” he responded.<\/p>\n Carter Mannon, a sophomore offensive linemen, is getting a fresh start with his transfer to Vandegrift.<\/p>\n Provided by Shawna Mannon<\/p>\n MORE: The Mannons took their case to the Lake Travis school board<\/a><\/p>\n Unbeknownst to Mannon, two teammates put the allergen in his gear and shoes the day before. Mannon had peanut residue on his arm after reaching into his locker to grab his cleats and jersey. Within minutes, hives developed on his arms where the peanuts had touched him. One of the boys who Mannon said took part in the incident filmed and shared it. They were giggling, Mannon said.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Mannon said he went into “a state of shock” as soon as he realized his arms and the back of his hands were covered in hives. He was terrified.<\/p>\n “Even though it’s just a peanut, it could have killed me,” he said.<\/p>\n Mannon needed new equipment before he could safely take the field that night. The involved players \u2014 Gus Cordova, who had a Texas football scholarship pulled<\/a> because of the incident and another teen, who has not been publicly identified \u2014\u00a0were suspended for two games before rejoining the team. The Lake Travis school district later said the incident did not fit the definition of bullying.<\/p>\n One year later, Mannon was a\u00a0Vandegrift Viper.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The RiverPlace neighborhood posted this sign when Carter Mannon transferred from Lake Travis to Vandegrift.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Shawna Mannon<\/p>\n Creating new friendships at a different school<\/p>\n Lake Travis is considered one of the elite high school football programs in Texas, claiming six state championships since 2007. The Cavaliers have produced some of the sport’s most recognizable stars, including\u00a0Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall NFL draft choice Baker Mayfield, now a quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; former Ohio State All-American and current New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson; and former Texas Longhorns and current Los Angeles Chargers place-kicker Cameron Dicker.<\/p>\n Through their attorneys, the\u00a0Mannons filed a complaint in March 2024; the Lake Travis school district filed a standard motion to dismiss. They are awaiting the outcome, which could be a full dismissal, partial dismissal, or a denial of the motion to dismiss. There is “no timetable for the court’s decision,” said the family’s attorney, Chris\u00a0Schulz.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The civil lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Texas, seeks $1.5 million in damages. The lawsuit also asks that a judge compel the school district to implement training for staff and students about harassment based on disability, adopt policies for student complaints about disability-based discrimination, and modify programs to stop “engaging in unconstitutional and unlawful acts.”<\/p>\n There have been no incidents regarding Mannon’s peanut allergy at Vandegrift, Mannon said.<\/p>\n The Vandegrift defense, including tackle Carter Mannon (77) collide with the Vista Ridge offense in the first quarter of the game between the Vandegrift Vipers and the Vista Ridge Rangers at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park, Sept. 26, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n “The incident at Lake Travis will always linger,” said Mannon’s mother, Shawna Mannon. “It was life changing for Carter, for all of us. This affected our whole family, and we have all learned a tremendous amount from it. We are grateful for our new community. They have been the warmest embrace. I have established incredible, deep friendships in this short time we\u2019ve been here. We are so proud to call the Vandegrift community home.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n MORE: Westlake’s Bo Ogden commits to Texas basketball<\/a><\/p>\n Carter’s story worthy of a movie script<\/p>\n The story of Mannon’s peanut allergy reaction gained national traction in 2023 and has been included in a documentary created by the nonprofit Food Allergy Research & Education organization. According to FARE Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Jaime Rupert, the group focuses on three strategic pillars: research, education and advocacy.<\/p>\n FARE produced a 25-minute documentary called “A World Unaware: When Every Bite Matters.” It is slated for release in November.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Carter and Shawna Mannon are featured prominently in the film, which explores the experiences of more than 33 million people in the U.S. who live with food allergies, a life-threatening condition that FARE says claims 150 to 200 lives a year and leads to about 30,000 emergency room visits a year. Roughly 1 in 11 adults and 1 in 13 children have food allergies.<\/p>\n When Rupert learned about Mannon’s high school experiences, FARE wanted him to be part of the documentary.<\/p>\n In the film, Mannon describes the first time he experienced a food allergy. At 9 months, he dipped his hand in a bottle of peanut butter and rubbed it on his face. He soon developed hives.<\/p>\n “Carter\u2019s story is important to the entire food allergy community and to those who don\u2019t understand the disease,” Rupert said. “The idea that weaponizing a food allergen is quite concerning. The perspective\/idea of was this attempted murder or not even bullying is a catalytic moment for all of us. What is bullying if this isn\u2019t?”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Rupert and her FARE colleague, Jennifer Webb, recently flew to Austin to attend a Vandegrift game. They spent most of their time with Carter and Shawna Mannon. A screening of the documentary will be shown in Austin in November.<\/p>\n This is how Rupert described Carter: “Impressive. Brave. Humble. Dignified. The wisdom he has gained from his experience is palpable. He is kind and smart. He speaks from his heart and is thoughtful. He is someone I admire very much; he loves football.”<\/p>\n Shawna Mannon said her son has weathered a storm the past two years and is eager for what’s next.<\/p>\n “He\u2019s excited to be partnering with FARE to continue educating communities on the dangers and seriousness of living with food allergies,” she said. “He is also big on educating on the importance of having epinephrine (a life-saving treatment used for severe allergic reactions) accessible in as many places as possible. That includes schools, airplanes, restaurants, arenas. Every first-aid kit should have epinephrine.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Taking on a new challenge<\/p>\n Vandegrift offensive lineman Carter Mannon (77) listens to coaches talk ahead of the game against Manor at Vandegrift High School on Friday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Carter Mannon said he wants to be an advocate for people with food allergies. Last year he flew to Kansas City, Mo., to help present the FARE Champion Award to Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback\u00a0Patrick\u00a0Mahomes, for their dedication to the food allergy cause. The Mahomes have two children with severe food allergies.<\/p>\n Carter Mannon said it was “an honor” to be part of the Mahomes gala, and\u00a0said he enjoyed meeting the three-time Super Bowl MVP. Patrick Mahomes later mailed him an autographed football.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n That’s just a snippet of what might lie ahead for Mannon, who aspires to play college football next season and continue to be a spokesperson for people with food allergies for years to come. Instead of being remembered as a victim of a potentially disastrous food allergy “prank” two years ago, he wants to serve others who live with\u00a0allergies.<\/p>\n “I’m more than happy to do anything I can with FARE,” he said. “I’ll always be an advocate. If there’s an opportunity for me to speak up on it, I’ll take it. It surprises me to know how many people don’t understand it’s as serious as it is. It’s not something you have a choice on.”<\/p>\n Follow the American-Statesman on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0X<\/a> for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access\u00a0all of our best content<\/a>\u00a0with\u00a0this tremendous offer<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n