Peyton Manning may have maintained a spotless 3-0 record against his younger brother Eli during their storied NFL careers, but their sibling rivalry is far from over. This time, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback duo is taking their competitive fire off the field and into the world of kicking—literally—in FanDuel’s highly anticipated “Kick of Destiny 3” campaign, set to premiere during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame Show.
The Showdown of the Century
The FanDuel campaign reimagines the rivalry as a head-to-head kicking competition, with both Mannings vying for glory. The premise is simple: which Manning can prove they have what it takes to step into a kicker’s cleats? And just like in previous years, FanDuel’s campaign allows fans to get in on the action, with $10 million in bonus bets up for grabs for those who correctly predict the outcome.
The new tagline—“May the Best Manning Win”—sets the stage for this sibling battle, blending humor, nostalgia, and high stakes.
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The Ad’s Play-by-Play
The commercial opens with Eli Manning rehearsing a FanDuel promo in front of a mirror. “Only from FanDuel, America’s No. 1 sportsbook,” Eli says stiffly, clearly trying too hard.
From the doorway, Peyton interrupts with his signature dry wit. “What, do you have a job interview or something?” he jokes.
Eli, unfazed, explains he’s gearing up for the Kick of Destiny 3, finally fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a kicker.
“Since when do you dream of being a kicker?” Peyton retorts.
The scene flashes back to the 1980s, with Eli and Peyton hilariously sporting throwback wigs and outfits. Young Eli is seen lining up a field goal in a neighborhood park.
“This is for the Super Bowl,” Eli says, his voice full of dramatic determination. He kicks the ball, splits the uprights, and celebrates wildly.
“Three points to win the Super Bowl!” Eli exclaims, basking in the glory of his imaginary moment.
From the sidelines, young Peyton mocks his brother: “You’ll never be a kicker, Eli. You’ll just have to be a quarterback like me and Dad.”
The flashback ends with present-day Eli defiantly declaring, “I was born to be a kicker, Peyton. You’ll see.”
Peyton, naturally, isn’t backing down: “Not if I make it first.”
A Family Affair
The campaign taps into the rich legacy of the Manning family, where quarterbacking has been the family business for decades. From patriarch Archie Manning to Peyton and Eli, and now even Cooper Manning’s son Arch, who’s a top NFL prospect at Texas, football runs deep in their veins.
This ad, however, flips the script by imagining a world where Eli’s true passion was kicking, not passing.
Fan Engagement at Its Finest
FanDuel’s Kick of Destiny series has become a beloved tradition for Super Bowl viewers, blending sports and entertainment in a way that resonates with fans. Last year, the campaign featuring Rob Gronkowski’s missed field goal resulted in record-breaking engagement, with 14 million bets placed and $307 million wagered on the platform.
This year, with the Manning brothers at the helm, the stakes are even higher. Fans can place their predictions on whether Peyton or Eli will emerge victorious and share in $10 million in bonus bets.
The Brothers Speak Out
“Eli and I have always been competitive, and this is going to be a fun way to challenge each other in a completely different way,” Peyton said in a press release. “I’ve been studying film of great kickers and training hard to make sure I bring home the win for everyone in America who picks me.”
Eli, never one to be outdone, added, “The Kick of Destiny is becoming a great Super Bowl Sunday tradition, and I’m feeling really good about my chances to get the win. I look forward to celebrating with everyone in America who picks me to beat Peyton.”
A New Super Bowl Tradition
As the brothers prepare to face off during the pregame show, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a comedic and competitive spectacle.
Whether Peyton adds another “win” to his record or Eli shocks the world with his newfound kicking prowess, one thing is certain: the Manning brothers are destined to steal the Super Bowl spotlight once again.
