Eli Manning is a legend on the gridiron. But can the same be said of Chad Powers?
As it turns out, they are the same person.
The football great wore prosthetic makeup to transform into “Chad Powers” in an effort to try out for the Penn State University football team. The process was documented on the latest episode of Eli’s Places, which is a joint production of Eli and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and ESPN. The goal for Manning was to get the full walk-on tryout experience at PSU. But he couldn’t do so as himself.
“Ever since I began my graduate degree in football studies, I’ve walked-on to a lot of college campuses,” Manning said in the episode. “But, I haven’t had the true walk-on experience until now.”
Manning spoke to Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin about the “tryout” with the former New York Giant wearing makeup and a wig to not get recognized.
Enter Chad Powers, who walked onto the field and stayed in character the entire time.
“Hey, I’m Chad Powers,” Manning said as he introduced himself to school staff and would-be players. While the makeup and wig fooled a lot of people, Franklin saw right through it.
“I recognize that Manning face anywhere,” joked Franklin.
During the walk-on tryout, Manning performed a 40-yard dash and threw the pigskin, which seemingly impressed the coaching staff.
“Not just good looking. I can throw it baby,” said Manning.
In the end, Franklin told the team hopefuls that Powers was disqualified after he performed a background check.
“Chad Powers, you’re ineligible,” said Franklin as Powers stood up and ripped off the makeup and wig to the surprise of the players.
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In an interview with the New York Post, Manning said he thought it would be fun to go undercover “to see if the coaches would be interested in me.”
“Head coach James Franklin was in on it, but didn’t really tell any of the other coaches.”
Manning told the Post he was really concerned he would get hurt during the walk-on tryout, stating he knew he could still throw the ball, but it wasn’t until he was told he’d have to run and do jumps when he started to worry.
“My No. 1 concern of that was don’t pull a hamstring. It doesn’t matter what I run, the slower the time the better really,” said Manning.
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