In a dazzling display of creativity and star power, Peyton and Eli Manning have once again proven why they’re the hottest duo in sports entertainment. On September 3, 2024, the NFL superstar brothers unveiled a jaw-dropping 10-minute musical extravaganza to promote the fourth season of their hit ESPN show, “ManningCast.” This comedic short, which racked up an impressive 6.6 million social media views in its first 48 hours, is not just a promotional video – it’s a testament to the innovative spirit of Omaha Productions and its president, Jamie Horowitz.
“ManningCast the Musical” chronicles the Mannings’ fictional journey to mount a Broadway production. The video features original songs, choreography, a “Rent” riff, and the brothers sporting sequined versions of their signature quarter-zip sweaters. A star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., the Backstreet Boys, Kevin Hart, Michael Bublé, Pete Davidson, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and even Disney CEO Bob Iger make cameo appearances alongside a parade of football personalities.
Behind the Scenes: A Broadway-Worthy Production
Therese Andrews, head of production at Omaha Productions, spearheaded this ambitious project. “There we were, asking a group of all-star athletes: ‘Hey, do you mind putting on these costumes and dancing and lip-syncing to a couple of our songs?'” Andrews laughed, recounting the 22-day shoot spread across seven months.
The original idea for these annual ManningCast promos came from Horowitz who recalled: “We saw the Handsome Man sketch on Jimmy Kimmel back in 2010 and Therese and I – both working at ESPN at the time – have been trying to do something equally spectacular ever since then. I guess the takeaway is that we owe a thanks to Kimmel and we must work really slowly.”
The production drew talent from unexpected places. Broadway composer Tom Kitt, recommended by Lin-Manuel Miranda himself, joined the team in February. The Kent Denver School’s Anschutz Theater in Denver, Colorado – Peyton Manning’s hometown – stood in for a Broadway venue while performers from the University of Colorado’s theater department brought the on-stage musical sequences to life.
When asked about taking singing lessons, Peyton Manning quipped, “Does being in my school musical in seventh-grade count?” Maintaining his trademark dry humor, Eli added, “I sing in the car sometimes, and I’m pretty sure I sound great. No lessons needed.” Despite their jokes, the brothers confirmed they sang, both live and in studio sessions.
ManningCast: A Game-Changing Success Story
The musical promo is just the latest in a string of successes for “ManningCast,” which has become a phenomenon since its debut. This alternate Monday Night Football broadcast, featuring the unfiltered commentary of Peyton and Eli Manning, has been a ratings juggernaut, averaging up to 2 million viewers per episode in its first three seasons and attracting a notably younger demographic than traditional sports broadcasts.
The show’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry. “ManningCast” has already claimed multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Live Series in 2022 and 2024 and Outstanding Personality/Sports Event Analyst for Peyton Manning in 2023. At the recent 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, Omaha Productions celebrated another win, posting on social media, “In partnership with @espn, we’re honored to accept a @sportsemmys in the Outstanding Live Series category for the ManningCast!”
Omaha Productions: The Rising Star of Sports Media
Founded in 2020 by Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz, Omaha Productions has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in sports entertainment. The company’s rapid ascent is a testament to the vision of its founders and the creative leadership of Horowitz, a veteran sports media executive known for revolutionizing sports talk programming.
Under Horowitz’s guidance, Omaha Productions has expanded beyond “ManningCast” to produce a variety of successful shows. These include “Peyton’s Places,” a documentary series exploring football’s history and cultural impact, and “Quarterback,” a hit Netflix series that offers an unprecedented look into the lives of NFL quarterbacks.
The company’s success has translated into impressive financial growth. In 2022, it was valued at more than $400 million, and some analysts predict Omaha Productions could soon reach a billion-dollar valuation.
Jamie Horowitz: The Architect of Modern Sports Entertainment
Jamie Horowitz’s role in Omaha Productions’ success cannot be overstated. His track record of creating personality-driven content that resonates with audiences has been crucial to the company’s rapid growth. Throughout his career, Horowitz has held executive positions at ESPN, Fox Sports, DAZN, and WWE, consistently redefining sports programming on traditional and modern platforms.
Horowitz’s influence is evident in how “ManningCast” blends expert analysis with the Manning brothers’ unique chemistry and humor. This approach has attracted viewers and a steady stream of high-profile guests, from former President Barack Obama to entertainment icons like Snoop Dogg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Looking to the Future
As Omaha Productions continues to grow, the company shows no signs of slowing down. The recent announcement of a nine-year partnership extension with ESPN, cementing their collaboration until 2034, underscores the network’s confidence in the Manning-Horowitz dream team.
This partnership ensures that Omaha Productions will continue delivering signature content while expanding its repertoire to include projects focusing on the NBA and other sports. With a growing roster of top athletes and athlete-founded production companies eager to collaborate, Omaha Productions has access to unparalleled talent and resources.
Peyton Manning remains hands-on in the company’s productions, leveraging his NFL connections to create unique content. His participation goes beyond the camera, as his roles in the Netflix series “Quarterback” and “Receiver” show. Manning personally met with featured quarterbacks and Receivers to discuss the show’s vision and engaged with coaching staff who had questions about camera crews following their players during the season.
With the success of “ManningCast the Musical,” Omaha Productions has once again demonstrated its ability to push the boundaries of sports entertainment. As Eli Manning jokingly suggested, “Hey, if the people at the Tony Awards want to help us achieve our goal by giving us a Tony, we’ll consider taking the show on the road.”
As Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Jamie Horowitz continue to redefine sports media, one thing is clear: Omaha Productions is changing the game, one innovative project at a time. The company’s commitment to creating content that entertains and brings people together reflects Manning’s values and vision for the future of sports media, positioning Omaha Productions as a trailblazer in the industry for years to come.
