You can now add sports betting to the long résumé of the Manning football family.
Former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and his three sons — Peyton, Eli and Cooper — are teaming up with Caesars Sportsbook. The sports betting operator is calling the deal “a historic, first-of-its-kind partnership.”
As part of the deal, the Manning men will star in advertising for Caesars Sportsbook, make live appearances at fan-engagement events, promote responsible gambling and serve as strategic advisers to the company.
Caesars Sportsbook is currently live in 20 states and jurisdictions, including Arizona. The Mannings becoming brand ambassadors is the latest in an increasing number of relationships between retired athletes and sportsbook operators in the US.
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Inside the Caesars-Mannings sports betting partnership
Caesars Sportsbook will incorporate the Mannings through its Caesars Rewards program. The operator said this will give customers the chance to interact directly with the Mannings in various ways.
“This isn’t the typical partnership between a sports betting company and major talent,” said Chris Holdren, co-president of Caesars Digital.
“We’re welcoming the most acclaimed family in football history to be integrated holistically into the Caesars family. Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper are extraordinary people who are champions of their communities and we’re honored to partner with such a prestigious group of individuals.”
This partnership builds upon an established relationship between Caesars and the Mannings as the company runs the Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill out of Harrah’s New Orleans.
“We’re excited to partner with the team at Caesars Sportsbook,” said Peyton Manning. “We’re looking forward to interacting with their customers who love sports and love football, and we know Caesars has a lot of fun initiatives planned. They place a strong emphasis on community impact, and we appreciate their support of causes that are important to us.”
Legalized sports betting, meet the Mannings
The Mannings are the most accomplished family in pro football history.
For 35 of the NFL’s 102 seasons, there was a Manning starting at quarterback in the league. During their careers, Archie, Peyton and Eli combined for:
- 4 Super Bowl championships
- 20 Pro Bowls
- 48 seasons
- 653 games
- 1,030 pass TDs
- 152,874 pass yards
Even after retiring 37 years ago, Archie is the second-leading passer in New Orleans Saints history. Peyton, who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player five times. That’s two more than any other player in league history. Eli owns almost every passing record from his time with the New York Giants. He is also one of five players to win Super Bowl MVP multiple times. Cooper had his football career cut short by spinal stenosis. However, his son, Arch, is one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country.
In addition to their on-field excellence, the Mannings are no strangers to off-the-field achievements. Peyton and Eli are the only brothers to win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The honor recognizes a player for his excellence on and off the field. Furthermore, Caesars plans to support the Mannings’ many charitable initiatives.
Mannings join trend of retired athletes teaming with sports betting operators
The partnership between Caesars and the Manning family exemplifies the shift in acceptance of betting within professional sports and society as a whole.
For a long time, sports betting was the ultimate taboo for the NFL. Many feared any association with Las Vegas bookmakers would damage the integrity of the game.
However, things started to shift after a ruling from the US Supreme Court in 2018 opened the door for all states to authorize sports betting. Legal sportsbooks are now up and running in 31 states and the District of Columbia. That list obviously features the Grand Canyon State, as Arizona betting apps went live in September, including the Caesars AZ sportsbook. Now many retired athletes are being brought on as promoters.
For example, former Phoenix Suns player and Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley is a content provider, brand ambassador and spokesperson for FanDuel Sportsbook. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan is a special advisor and board member at DraftKings. Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One,” is a spokesperson for BetMGM, and Shaquille O’Neal, another former Suns player, is a spokesperson for WynnBet.
