• by Fern Siegel , September 6, 2022

Peyton and Eli Manning made their name as NFL quarterbacks. Now, they are encouraging kids to pay youth flag and tackle football in a new NFL “Play Football” campaign.

72andSunny Los Angeles’ spots employs humor to promote the NFL’s youth program: NFL Play Football.

Three short spots — “Conditioning,” “Sheriff” and “Respect” — posit the Super Bowl-winning QBs as adjusting to the new dimensions of the game. Now it’s about having fun, which Eli’s easygoing manner promotes.

The campaign, which just kicked off, runs during the upcoming NFL season in-game and on prime time, as well as on social and online across North America.

The dynamic — Peyton as a sheriff teaching kids the old-school way, and Eli as a laid-back cooler guy who admits his brother knows football, but little about what kids want now.

In truth, Peyton Manning has championed youth football throughout his career and participated in the creative aspects of the ad's development. His son has a cameo in the campaign.

“Football has played a big role in my life, and it’s important to me to ensure that girls and boys of all ages get the opportunity to participate,” said Eli Manning.

“Peyton and Eli are the perfect duo to star in this campaign because they bring a unique humor that effectively showcases the evolution of the game and just how fun and inclusive football has become,” said Marissa Solis, SVP global brand and consumer marketing at the NFL. “An ongoing part of our strategy is to keep the image of the brand fresh.”

Youth tackle season starts in August and runs through November.