Latest news with #OmahaProductions
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Peyton Manning shares how he's winning in Hollywood by appealing to Middle America
Peyton Manning is becoming a Hollywood star, without becoming "Hollywood." When the Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion created Omaha Productions, making shows about sports was a given. But Manning's TV company is now diversifying its slate away from the field. "I like history. I love country music. I have great appreciation for the military," Manning said in a recent interview with Business Insider. "And so we've tried to do things that at least have some sort of authentic connection to that." Manning founded his TV production firm in 2020 with former Fox Sports executive Jamie Horowitz, and it's been a hit so far. Omaha was valued at over $750 million by an investment round this spring spearheaded by former Endeavor executive Patrick Whitesell. Manning's company has also secured a first-look deal with Disney's 20th Television after creating the buzzy "ManningCast" starring Peyton and his brother Eli, as well as a slew of sports docuseries for Netflix: "Quarterback," "Receiver," and "Starting Five." Manning told BI that there's no one-size-fits-all definition of an Omaha show. But there are a few common threads: shows that are "uplifting and unifying" and related to Manning's personal interests. Omaha produced the Country Music Awards last November and has also produced series for the History Channel, like "Beyond the Battlefield" and "The Mega-Brands That Built America." Manning said Omaha tries to make its slate family-friendly. Omaha's niche: Sports, history, country music Omaha is an apt name for Manning's production company. Football fans will recognize it as a callback to the callout signal Manning often gave as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. But although Omaha isn't necessarily a reference to the Nebraska city, the company has strong Midwest sensibilities. The topics Manning has an affinity for — sports, business, country music, history, and the military — have clear appeal in Middle America. That said, the former Colts and Broncos star has always kept his personal politics to himself, and Omaha is trying to stay far away from politics and the culture wars. Omaha is also staying away from gritty subjects like crime, even though Manning said he personally loves "The Sopranos" and "Goodfellas." (Their military-themed show was about the history of the Marines and Army and how soldiers train, not an intense wartime drama like HBO's "Band of Brothers.") The Middle America appeal aligns with Manning's roots. He grew up in Louisiana, played college football at Tennessee, and spent most of his career in Indianapolis. Omaha isn't the only TV outfit finding success in this lane. Taylor Sheridan has made a slew of popular shows, kicked off by Paramount's "Yellowstone." Amazon Prime Video has also invested heavily in so-called "dad TV" with "Reacher" and "Jack Ryan," plus faith-based shows like "House of David," based on King David in the Bible. From signal caller to shot-caller While Omaha has momentum, Manning said starting a production company came with a steep learning curve — plus inevitable incompletions when pitching to streamers and networks. "We've heard 'no' plenty," Manning said. "It doesn't mean it's not a good idea. All it takes is one to like you." Manning said he's enjoyed being a producer even more than being in front of the camera. "I'm the offensive coordinator in the press box," Manning said. "I never really had been a part of anything like that, where I didn't sort of have to play quarterback." Manning said he's looking forward to the next season of "Quarterback," which debuts on Netflix in July and features the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, the Detroit Lions' Jared Goff, and the Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins. Manning noted that the first-look deal with 20th Television won't impact preexisting deals with streamers like Netflix. The Omaha project that Manning is anticipating the most is "Chad Powers," a coming Hulu show that stars Glen Powell as a former standout quarterback who tries to resurrect his career by going undercover as a walk-on. The idea for the show came from an Omaha Productions sketch that Eli Manning did back in 2022. "Eli's in a horrible wig, he's got a horrible accent, he talks about being homeschooled and coached by his mom, he has these little catchphrases," Manning said. "And next thing you know, maybe one of the biggest movie stars in the world is doing a show about that." The Apple TV+ show "Ted Lasso" also began as a skit and became a smash hit. Manning hopes "Chad Powers" follows suit.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Glen Powell takes a page out of Hannah Montana's book in new teaser for football-comedy Chad Powers; take a look
Glen Powell is back — and he's leaning all the way into being Glen Powell. The Top Gun: Maverick star has a new role that feels tailor-made for his charming-jock energy. In the just-dropped teaser for Chad Powers, Powell transforms into a fictional football player with a mullet, swagger, and secret identity. If you thought Powell had already hit peak Powell, think again. But who exactly is Chad Powers, and why are football fans and internet users buzzing? The upcoming Hulu comedy follows Russ Holliday, a disgraced college quarterback who still dreams of making it big. In a last-ditch effort to revive his football career, he goes undercover as 'Chad Powers' and joins a struggling southern football team. Think Ted Lasso, but swap the moustache for a wig and some good old-fashioned southern grit. Here's the fun twist: Chad Powers is not just fiction. He first appeared in 2022, when NFL legend Eli Manning wanted to experience walk-on tryouts at Penn State. As part of his ESPN+ docuseries Eli's Places, he slapped on a wig and prosthetics to go undercover as — you guessed it — Chad Powers. The clip quickly went viral. Manning's goal? To explore the history of college football through the eyes of real players and coaches. But what stuck with fans most was Chad's hilarious blend of clueless charm and gridiron ambition.'The love for Chad Powers has surprised me in spectacular ways,' Manning said. 'I played 16 years in the NFL, but now when I'm in a restaurant or walking through an airport, it's not uncommon for fans to scream, 'Hey Chad!'' He added, 'I'm so excited to team up with my friends Glen Powell, Michael Waldron and Omaha Productions to continue to tell the Chad Powers story and see what he does next.' Once the original video exploded online, Omaha Productions, Peyton Manning's company, was flooded with fan requests for more Chad content. And so, the Ted Lasso-style comedy was born. Hulu has now greenlit a half-hour scripted series starring Powell, with Manning cheering from the sidelines. As expected, social media had a field day reacting to the teaser. One user wrote, 'I'm definitely excited for this, but am I the only one who kinda wishes Eli still played the character?' Another chimed in: 'So basically… Hannah Montana but with football and facial hair.' One X comment perfectly summed up the vibe: 'This sounds like a hilarious twist on sports comedies. Can't wait to see Glen Powell's performance!' Another added, 'Late 30s Glen Powell? That's a choice…' while a fan gushed, 'GP is pure charisma. Will 100% watch.' And honestly? Same. With Glen Powell bringing his all-American charm and Eli Manning's viral alter ego at the heart of it, Chad Powers might just become the next big thing in feel-good football comedy. The show is expected to release on September 20.
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Glen Powell goes undercover as quarterback Chad Powers in Hulu football comedy teaser
Hulu has released the first teaser for its upcoming comedy series Chad Powers, starring Glen Powell as a disgraced college quarterback attempting a secret comeback. The series will premiere with its first two episodes on September 30. In the teaser, which debuted during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Powell plays Russ Holliday, a once-promising quarterback whose career collapses after a major blunder on the field. Facing public backlash and mockery on social media, Russ decides to reinvent himself by going undercover as 'Chad Powers,' complete with a wig and prosthetic nose, in an attempt to rejoin football anonymously. 'If I can't play as Russ, I'll play as someone else,' Powell's character declares in the clip. Despite his unusual appearance, the teaser shows Chad impressing teammates on the field while drawing humorous remarks off it — including a cheerleader who quips, 'He's, like, extremely ugly.' The series also stars Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez, and Steve Zahn. The pilot was co-written by Powell and Michael Waldron. Chad Powers is based on a comedic sketch from Eli's Places, produced by NFL Films and Omaha Productions for ESPN+. Powell also serves as executive producer through his Barnstorm Productions, alongside Eli and Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ben Brown, ESPN, and producers from Anomaly Pictures.
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Peyton Manning joins ownership group for Denver NWSL team: What to know
Peyton Manning joins ownership group for Denver NWSL team: What to know Show Caption Hide Caption NWSL adds Denver as 16th franchise after record expansion fee The National Women's Soccer League announced Denver as its 16th franchise on Thursday after ownership paid a record $110 million fee. Straight Arrow News Peyton Manning might be known for Omaha, but his influence in Denver reigns supreme. The former Denver Broncos quarterback has joined the ownership group for the city's National Women's Soccer League franchise, which is set to begin play in 2026. Despite 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, it's Manning's final four NFL seasons with the Broncos that seem to be the lasting image. The quarterback has remained involved with the organization in his post-playing days, serving an an ambassador for the franchise. The five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, who lives in the area, makes frequent appearances at Broncos' games, deepening his connection to the city. Of course, he's also remained busy in other ventures since hanging up the cleats. Manning has furthered his media and business influence post-career through Omaha Productions and the "Manningcast" on "Monday Night Football" during select games throughout the NFL season. Now he can add the NWSL to that list. Here's what to know about Manning's dive into women's sports: NWSL Denver owners Denver's NWSL ownership group is led by controlling owner, Rob Cohen. Manning joins a lengthy list of investors including, Ariel Investments' Project Level, Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, Molly Coors, and Olympic gold medalist skier Mikaela Shiffrin. NWSL EXPANSION: Mikaela Shiffrin joins ownership group for Denver franchise 'Peyton's legacy as a champion and a leader is second to none,' Cohen said in a statement. 'His impact on Colorado sports is unmatched, and we're incredibly proud to have him as a partner. He brings passion, insight, and deep local roots – all of which will help us shape the future of Denver NWSL.' The future team hasn't unveiled a name or branding, meaning Manning is getting in on the ground floor of this operation. 'It's a real honor to be part of something so meaningful to the Colorado community,' Manning said in the team's announcement. 'I'm proud to support the growth of women's sports and excited to help build a club that our city and our state can rally behind.' This will be Manning's first venture into owning a sports team. His brother, Eli Manning, is a minority investor in Gotham FC. Peyton Manning investments Manning hasn't faded into the sunset following retirement from football. If anything, his profile has only grown over time with an expanding investment and sponsorship portfolio. Commonly seen on Nationwide Insurance commercials, Manning is certainly familiar with the commercial game. However, he is likely best-known at this stage for his media company, Omaha Productions, which has expanded it's NFL profile in recent years. The production company behind the Netflix series "Quarterback" and "Receiver," they have also had a hand in other documentaries, unscripted shows and podcasts. Aside from media, Manning recently invested in Good Good Golf, which sells performance golfwear. He previously was part of investments into Whistle Sports, SeatGeek and more. Peyton Manning NFL stats Manning played 17 seasons in the NFL after he was drafted No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The Tennessee Volunteers' prospect went on to accomplish just about everything there is in the NFL, racking up accolades all the way until his final season in 2015 – when he retired after winning the Super Bowl. Manning was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2021, immortalizing a career that saw him selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times, become an All-Pro seven times, win two Super Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP, two-time Offensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year and a five-time NFL MVP. He finished his career with 186-79 record, throwing for 71,940 yards, 539 touchdowns and 251 interceptions.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PEYTON MANNING AND JAMIE HOROWITZ'S OMAHA PRODUCTIONS LAUNCHES NEW ESPN LACROSSE SERIES STARRING PAUL RABIL
NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Omaha Productions, the media company founded by Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz, has launched Rabil's Places, a new series debuting June 4 on ESPN+ and running for five weeks. Hosted by former professional lacrosse star and Premier Lacrosse League co-founder Paul Rabil, the show explores the roots, culture, and future of lacrosse in America through in-depth conversations with icons, innovators, and everyday heroes of the sport. The series is part of Omaha's growing "Places" franchise and blends personal storytelling with a deeper look at lacrosse's underrepresented history and communities. New episodes will premiere on Wednesdays on ESPN+ and will also be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ for Disney Bundle Trio subscribers. "Lacrosse isn't just defined by the action on the field. It's about the people who've played it, the places we call home, and the culture that's kept it alive for centuries," Rabil said in a statement. He called the series "our episodic journey through the soul of the sport, from sacred beginnings to its rise in college towns and pro stadiums, aimed to bring fans new and old along for the ride." Manning, who is executive producer of Rabil's Places, called Rabil "the perfect person to tell the stories that make lacrosse the sport that it is today." Omaha Productions, known for its Emmy-winning ManningCast and acclaimed athlete-driven storytelling, partnered with ESPN to produce the five-part documentary series. "This series continues our mission of giving athletes a platform to tell their own stories, in their own voices," said Jamie Horowitz, President and Co-Founder of Omaha Productions. "Paul brings a unique combination of credibility, curiosity, and charisma that makes Rabil's Places a natural next step for the franchise." Episode Guide: Episode 1: "Turf Wars" (June 4)Legendary football coach Bill Belichick explains his lifelong affection for lacrosse. Paul is joined by former college lacrosse star turned Super Bowl-champion wide receiver, Chris Hogan, to understand why there's so much crossover between the sports, and PLL teammates Ricky Miezan and Nakeie Montgomery discuss their decision to forgo pro football in favor of lacrosse. Episode 2: "Slick Sticks" (June 11)Inspired by the signature moves that revolutionized lacrosse, Paul sets out to create a new signature shot. After Gary Gait explains the birth of his iconic "Air Gait" move, Paul turns to Charlotte North, one of the game's most creative scorers, and former college lacrosse star turned NBA player, Pat Spencer, for inspiration for his new staple move. Episode 3: "Crab Cakes and Lacrosse" (June 18)That's what Maryland does! Paul returns to his alma mater, Johns Hopkins, to learn how Maryland became a lacrosse hotbed. He's joined by his former Hopkins teammate Kyle Harrison and visits Kyle's father, Miles, who teaches Paul about the state's important HBCU lacrosse history at Morgan State. Finally, Paul visits 3-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings at Bryn Mawr, where Maryland women's lax stars are born and jousts over the true state sport. Episode 4: "Crease and Desist" (June 25)Paul pursues a return to the PLL as a goalie but quickly learns why lacrosse goalies are a different breed. Former WWE star (and lax goalie) Mick Foley, Hall of Famer Scott Bacigalupo and PLL star Blaze Riorden give Paul a crash course on the physical, mental, and technical demands of the toughest position in sports. Episode 5: "The Creator's Game" (July 2)Paul seeks out a deeper understanding of the Native American origins of lacrosse and its traditional wooden stick. Greats Jeremy Thompson of Onondaga Nation and Zed Williams of Seneca Nation teach Paul important indigenous traditions of the game; current Syracuse standout and rising star of the Haudenosaunee Nationals, Trey Deere, meets Paul at Alfie Jacques' legendary woodworking shop before Paul tries his hand at making a wooden stick of his own. Rabil's Places is produced by Omaha Productions. About Omaha Productions Omaha Productions is a media company founded by Peyton Manning in 2020, dedicated to creating content that unifies and uplifts audiences. Omaha Productions currently serves as executive producer on ESPN's Emmy Award-winning Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, Netflix's first and upcoming second season of Quarterback, Netflix's Receiver, and Starting 5, NFL Honors, and ESPN+'s Places franchise, which includes series featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, Stephanie McMahon, Abby Wambach, Vince Carter, David Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, P.K. Subban, Sue Bird, Paul Rabil, and John McEnroe. The company has also produced both seasons of ESPN's Full Court Press, along with shows for ABC, A+E, NBCUniversal, and Hulu, including the upcoming Chad Powers scripted series, premiering in Fall of 2025. In addition to documentary work—including VICE's Calipari: Razor's Edge, chronicling John Calipari's first season at Arkansas, and ESPN's The Buddy Way, about Eugene F. "Buddy" Teevens III—Omaha Productions has produced alternate telecasts for college football, the NBA, golf, and the UFC. The company also launched the inaugural NFL Flag Championships, a youth flag football tournament that aired on ESPN. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Omaha Productions Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
