Football Legend Peyton Manning and Glen Powell Team Up for Hulu’s “Chad Powers”

NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning brought his football expertise to Hollywood at the premiere of Hulu’s new series “Chad Powers” at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The 49-year-old football legend was all smiles on the red carpet as he discussed his role in coaching actor Glen Powell through the football sequences in the show and reflected on how a simple viral sketch evolved into a full-fledged series. The premiere marks a unique blend of sports authenticity and entertainment, with Manning’s Omaha Productions continuing to bridge the gap between football culture and mainstream media. Manning’s appearance at the Rose Bowl was particularly meaningful, as he reminisced about playing his first college game there as a freshman back in 1994. “If you would’ve told me back in 1994 when I was a freshman here in my very first game, that you’ll be back here 32 years later watching a show on Hulu about Chad Powers, I’d be like, ‘Whatever, get out of the way. You’re April Fool’s Day. I don’t believe you,'” Manning shared with genuine amazement. This full-circle moment highlights the unexpected trajectory of his career from star quarterback to media producer and the organic way the Chad Powers character has resonated with audiences.

When asked to evaluate Powell’s football abilities, Manning responded with the good-natured honesty of a true coach, saying, “I wouldn’t book your ticket for the Super Bowl quite yet on Glen. I think he gets them in the playoffs. I think he needs some good linemen and good receivers to protect him back there and make some plays for him.” This playful assessment shows Manning’s enduring coach-like mentality while also revealing his admiration for Powell’s dedication to the role. “I’m a Glen fan. He went for it,” Manning added with appreciation. “Everybody says, ‘How’s he looking?’ Glen looks beautiful. Whatever he’s wearing. And so I think people are going to really enjoy seeing him do it both ways, and we were honored he was a part of this.” The camaraderie between the football legend and the rising Hollywood star demonstrates the cross-cultural appeal of the project, which originated from a sketch starring Peyton’s younger brother, Eli Manning, on ESPN+’s “Eli’s Places.”

What makes “Chad Powers” special isn’t just its football setting but its commitment to authenticity in portraying the sport. Manning revealed that both he and his brother Eli, 44, were hands-on in helping Powell prepare for his quarterback role. “It’s more than a football show,” Peyton explained. “It’s a comedy, it’s a redemption comeback story, but you do want the football part to look real.” Manning appreciated Powell’s dedication to getting the details right, noting, “Glen, I love the fact that he was asking questions. ‘How do I call an audible? Where do I put my hands when I’m walking a line of scrimmage?’ He went far. And so I love the fact that a couple of things that Eli and I suggested he implemented, and I feel like we got that part right.” This attention to detail speaks to the Manning brothers’ commitment to respecting the sport they love while also entertaining audiences who might not be die-hard football fans. The show’s evolution from a viral sketch to a full series came as a surprise even to Peyton, who admitted, “When that sketch came out, nobody knew we were going to be here.”

Powell, the 36-year-old actor who stars as the titular character, showed his playful side when informed of Manning’s assessment of his football skills. “Peyton said that?” Powell asked with mock incredulity. “Peyton has no idea what he’s talking about.” The actor quickly shifted to sincere gratitude, however, acknowledging the extraordinary opportunity he had in preparing for the role. “He’s a good coach. He was always there to just make sure that I won at every turn, and that was really, really fun,” Powell said. The actor recognized the technical challenges of portraying a quarterback convincingly, adding, “Look, it’s hard to pull off being a quarterback. It really is. It’s one of the most technical positions in any sport out there. And the fact that I had the two best quarterbacks maybe of all time as my personal quarterback coaches is pretty crazy.” This appreciation for the Manning brothers’ guidance highlights the unique blend of entertainment and sports expertise that has gone into creating the series.

Beyond discussing “Chad Powers,” Manning also provided an update on his successful Netflix docuseries “Quarterback,” produced by his Omaha Productions. When asked about a potential third season, Manning expressed ongoing interest, saying, “Yeah, we’re always talking about it. I love showing that there are different ways to play that position.” He highlighted how the series has showcased the diverse personalities and approaches of NFL quarterbacks, noting, “Joe Burrow is just the coolest guy in every room. Kirk Cousins does it his way, and Patrick Mahomes did it his way.” Manning emphasized his interest in featuring quarterbacks with different styles and personalities, adding, “We’re always looking to try to find different guys. Even if they don’t win the Super Bowl, let other people fall in love with you by how you go about your business.” He also indicated openness to developing additional NFL-related docuseries in the future, saying, “We’d love to continue to do that as well.” This suggests that Manning’s post-playing career as a media producer continues to evolve and expand, with a focus on bringing authentic sports stories to wider audiences.

Powell offered a thoughtful reflection on the deeper meaning behind “Chad Powers,” suggesting that the series’ message extends beyond football to life lessons about resilience and support. “Surround yourself with people who are patient, elegant, and graceful,” the actor advised. “Who root for you and that don’t kick you while you’re down.” This perspective captures the heart of the show’s redemption narrative while also revealing how sports stories can serve as powerful metaphors for universal human experiences. As “Chad Powers” prepares to premiere on Hulu on September 30, the collaboration between Manning’s football expertise and Powell’s acting talent promises to deliver entertainment that appeals to both sports fans and general audiences alike. The project represents a growing trend of sports figures like Manning leveraging their knowledge and connections to create content that brings authentic sports culture to entertainment platforms, further blurring the lines between athletics and Hollywood in ways that celebrate both worlds.