We can debate whether Peyton Manning is the greatest quarterback in NFL history, a top five quarterback or a top ten quarterback. We can debate whether he overachieved or over performed. We can debate a lot of things, really.
But there’s one thing no one can debate: Peyton Williams Manning is the single greatest spokesperson in the history of mankind.
I don’t care whether you like him as a player or not; there’s no debate. The man is the face of about 45 different companies and has to have been in more commercials than the rest of the sports world combined. In fact, I’m pretty sure the last commercial break I sat through that didn’t have at least one Manning commercial was back in 2007.
There’s a reason why Manning is one of the most liked and respected athletes in history; he’s essentially a family member! You don’t need to live in Indianapolis or Denver to feel like No. 18 is an integral part of your television experience, whether that be as a football player or commercial actor.
C’mon … we’ve all hummed “Chicken parm you taste so good” at least 300 times in the last two years, right?
So, instead of breaking down Manning’s greatest plays or performances, I wanted to relive his on-screen career. Here are, in my humble opinion, Peyton Manning’s five best commercials:
(Note: This was much harder than I expected; Peyton Manning makes more hits than Taylor Swift)
Honorable Mention: United Way
It may not be an actual commercial, but this is the greatest thing Manning has done in his career.
Super Bowl? Whatever! I could watch No. 18 drill a child in the head with a football for the rest of my life!
5. Sprint NFL Mobile
It’s so simple, but this is one of Manning’s best performances. His delivery is impeccable. His mustache, flawless. And that flip phone, timeless.
Still not so sure about the “rocket arm” part, but I’ll let that slide.
4. “Chicken parm you taste sooooo good”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P35T7WGu9i0
This isn’t the most entertaining or funny commercial, but I’m positive I just re-inserted that jingle into your head for another 24 hours. It’s a classic, and you can use it in any situation!
Plus, it led to this commercial — “Epic comeback starts right here!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paonQnCz158&list=PLTVVF8f2PjM9INY5aKRSjEqEq6uTg3vf1
I will never forget that commercial. The first time I saw it was during halftime of the Week 17 game against the San Diego Chargers, just one drive before Peyton Manning returned to the field.
And do you know what happened next? An epic comeback! Destiny!
3. High-pitched/Skinny-legs Peyton Manning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyYc1Z9j948
You know, I’m not even sure that’s a voice double. Manning may just be that great of an actor. A true thespian. I mean, who else could pull off these legs?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmMGoPUdOhM
A lot of athletes have done the “Don’t be this me” commercial, but nobody did it like Peyton Manning. Sure, “Arts and Crafts” Tony Romo was funny, but nobody is as natural on camera as Peyton.
2. MasterCard
Alright, I’m going to cheat a little on this one. I spent a good half hour trying to pick the best MasterCard commercial, and it’s impossible. They’re just too good. So, please, enjoy his full collection.
“Cut that meat!”
“Take a hike.”
“Will you sign my melon?”
“You’ll never guess what it is!”
“They’re not saying, ‘Boo.’ They’re saying, ‘Mooooovers.”
1. Peyton and Eli
As you can see, I’ve kind of broken the rules by including way more than five commercials, but it’s impossible! There’s so many!
So, with that said, I’m going to continue to break the rules. While Peyton may be a genius in his own right, when you pair him with his brother Eli, true magic occurs.
How can we forget “Football On Your Phone”?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn5zytfm9No
But that doesn’t even compare to “Football Cops.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-znHzHafMlQ
Thank you, Peyton. Not only did you bring Denver a Super Bowl, but you revolutionized athletes in commercials.
A legendary career, indeed.