• by Fern Siegel , September 4, 2024

Eli Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion. He played 16 seasons with the New York Giants and left his mark on the NFL.

But off the gridiron, he's made a more whimsical contribution – the Lime Wedge Football game.

Created while he was shooting work for MullenLowe, the limited-edition set is designed to up tailgate fun. The game is signed by Manning, who says it was produced "organically."

The set features a table runner that resembles a football field. A nerf-like lime wedge acts as a football and two Corona beers stand on the final yard line, doubling as goalposts. Just flick the wedge through the novel posts to score. Fair warning – it's not as easy as it looks.

Manning is a brand ambassador for the Mexican beer, so the choice was clear. On sale Sept. 4 at CoronaUSA.com, the game is available for $10 while supplies last. (The $10 is a nod to Manning’s jersey number, plus the cost of shipping at CoronaUSA.com.)

A spot promotes the game on social and online stores. However, Corona's newest football ads featuring Manning arrive Sept. 9 and will run across cable, streaming, digital and social.

“You don't have to be a pro, just flick some lime and enjoy yourself," Manning told Agency Daily. "I've got a strong flicking finger from flicking Peyton on the ear." (Like his brother, Peyton Manning is also a two-time Super Bowl QB winner.)

Who does he view as his greatest Lime-Edition game competitor? "Not Peyton, he's got weak fingers," he grins. "But Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs or Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens – they would be serious competition."

Players are encouraged to tag @CoronaUSA with their own versions of Corona Lime Wedge Football. That gives them an opportunity to be featured on the beer's social channels.

Manning, now an ESPN commentator, remains a devoted sports fan. Part owner of the NJ/NY Gotham FC, the team won its first National Women's Soccer League Championship in 2023. He also coaches his daughters' basketball and baseball teams. Sports is embedded in his DNA.

“As an athlete, I’ve experienced the thrill of competition both on and off the field,” Manning said. “I’m excited to partner with Corona and bring Lime Wedge Football to tailgates everywhere so fans can enjoy the Fine Life together.”

MullenLowe's client roster also includes Midol, Hidden Valley Ranch, E*Trade and KFC.