Peyton Manning Takes Ownership Of 21 Papa John’s Restaurants

Peyton Manning is getting in on the pizza business. The super bowl winning quarterback has starred in several commercials for Papa John’s and now he’s taking ownership of 21 locations in Denver.

Papa John’s chief marketing officer, Andrew Varga, said:

“He’s the kind of partner we’re looking for, not only in marketing but in business.”

Manning added:

“It’s a smart investment now and will be long after I’m done playing football.”

NFL.com reports that Papa John’s has been working to increase its sports ties over the last few years. The company is the title sponsor of the football stadium at the University of Louisville, sponsored a college bowl game in Alabama from 2006-2011, and recently renewed its contract as the NFL’s official pizza.

Manning’s most recent Papa John’s commercials have featured him trying to get company CEO John Schnatter to give away 2 million pizzas. Manning has reportedly filmed a new commercial, as a franchisee, that will feature him giving away pizza at one of his own locations.

Here’s a look at Peyton Manning’s Papa John’s commercial.

Peyton Manning recently signed a 5-year contract with the Denver Broncos and it’s hard to imagine the aging quarterback playing past 2017. The $96 million contract has $58 million in guaranteed money. It’s unclear how much Peyton is making as a spokesperson with Papa John’s or how much he’ll make slinging pie.

Do you think this is a good investment for Peyton Manning?