Peyton, Eli Return For Third 'MNF' ManningCast Season, Third Host Optional
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 06:15PM By Barry Janoff
September 5, 2023: The Monday Night Football alternate ManningCast Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli from ESPN and Omaha Productions has been very successful its first two seasons — including winning the 2023 Sports Emmy Award winner for Most Outstanding Analyst — but the NFL has asked Peyton and Eli Manning to find a third host “to freshen up the show.”
So with the first ManningCast of the season approaching Sept. 11 — when the Buffalo Bills visit Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets — the Mannings hold an open audition, in theory to find a new host but in reality to unveil some of the guests and teams to appear during ten shows this season, including a Wild Card playoff game Jan. 15.
As shown in the humorous “Peyton And Eli Search For The Third ManningCast Host,” among the players, coaches and celebrities who audition are Jared Goff, Reese Witherspoon, Mike Tyson, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Sean McVay, Trevor Lawrence, Sean Payton, Mike McDaniel, Ray Lewis, Justin Tucker, Will Arnett, Howie Mandel, Olivia Dunne, Sarah Silverman, Kirk Cousins; Kenan Thompson; Jim Irsay, Stephen A. Smith, Al Michaels and Tom Brady.
Ultimately, none of them are hired due to a variety of reasons.
In the extended seven-minute spot, Peyton Manning asks the first interviewee, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, “How excited are you to audition for the most exciting show on TV.”
“I thought this was an audition for the ManningCast,’ says Goff.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton muddles the situation when Eli has to continually stress the “E” when he’s talking to brother Peyton and the “A” when he’s talking to Payton.
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli asks Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence, “Do you think a jaguar could defeat a giant?” Lawrence replies, “Well, a giant is a mythical concept, so . . .”
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton then asks Lawrence, “Do you think a jaguar could defeat a horse?”
“Is this what you guys spend your time thinking about?” asks Lawrence. Turns out it is what they spend their time thinking about.
“You guys are terrible evaluators,” says Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “Go f*&^ yourselves.”
Patrick Mahomes phones in but the call comes up “Spam Risk.” They decline the call.
LSU champion gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne is unrecognized because the Mannings don’t watch Tik Tok.
Up next: Mike Tyson. “I’m just here because you guys have the most punchable faces in the history of punching faces.” Peyton and Eli flinch as Tyson throws faux punches.
Stephen A. Smith is asked how they can make the show better. “Stay off the weeeeeeeed!”
Tom Brady isn’t hired, so he offers, “I’ll just have to come back and play football again.”
Roger Goodell calls in to see how the auditions are going. “Not great,” says Eili. Peyton says “We’re running behind here. Everyone’s terrible.”
A frustrated commissioner hangs up, “These guys have no chance."
Even without a third host, Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli (ESPN 2) will introduce an interactive touchscreen table, which operates as a virtual football field, allowing Peyton to simulate in-game action in real-time.
Peyton and Eli will return to their home-based studios in Denver and New Jersey, respectively.
Similar to the previous two seasons, guests scheduled to include Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts will join the Manning brothers from their own unique locations.
2023 ManningCast Schedule (games subject to change, all on ESPN 2):
Sept. 11: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Oct. 2: Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants
Oct. 9: Green Bay Packers at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct. 23: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Nov. 6: Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets
Nov. 13: Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Nov. 20: Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs
Dec. 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars
Dec. 18: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
Wild Card Jan. 15 TBD
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