VFL and Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will be front and center during the start of the 2024 Olympic Games this summer in Paris, France.
As announced by NBC’s Olympics social media account on Tuesday, the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback will be one of the three television hosts for the Olympic Games opening ceremony alongside longtime broadcaster Mike Tirico and musician/television host Kelly Clarkson.
Can’t wait to watch #VFL Peyton Manning host the opening ceremony for the #ParisOlympics!
Congrats, Peyton! #GBO 🍊 https://t.co/7R1Q4uXybQ
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 13, 2024
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The world’s top athletes will converge in Paris for the games this summer as the event takes place from Friday, July 26, to Sunday, August 11.
While normally taking place inside a stadium that is being used, the 2024 Olympics’ opening ceremony will be in the heart of Paris on the Seine River for the first time ever. The athletes will travel down the river via boat as spectators line the riverside streets in hopes of seeing a glimpse of the athletes.
NBC will have the broadcast of the Olympics here in the United States.
While there won’t be any football being played at the games (flag football is being introduced in 2028), Manning’s broadcasting experience from the Monday Night Manningcast makes him a perfect candidate to connect the Olympics to a familiar American television audience. Peyton Manning is one of the most well-liked figures in sports and will be able to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to the audience watching at home.
Manning’s list of accomplishments in the media world is extensive and impressive. The former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback started his own production company that works hand-in-hand with ESPN (Omaha Productions), won a Sports Emmy for the Manningcast alongside his brother Eli, has several famous Saturday Night Live skits, hosted the Country Music Awards with Luke Bryan, and has an acclaimed streaming show that has spun out into other sports and leagues with Peyton’s Places on ESPN+.
It only seems right that Manning is now stepping up to a role for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Speaking of Paris, though, it’s also impossible not to be reminded of Manning’s recent skit from SNL revolving around the Emily in Paris TV show. The Hall of Fame quarterback might be able to use some of his television-binging knowledge in preparation for this summer’s games.
