While visiting Penn State’s football team last month, retired NFL quarterback Eli Manning pretended to be somebody else.
Eli Manning went undercover at Penn State as walk-on "Chad Powers" and it's absolute gold. pic.twitter.com/jaEYqBRcMh
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) September 19, 2022
After getting permission from Penn State coach James Franklin, the 41-year-old Manning went undercover as “Chad Powers,” a walk-on dreaming of playing football at Penn State.
What position did “Powers” try out for? Quarterback, of course.
Manning disguised himself by wearing a wig and a fake mustache.
“He definitely looks like he could do something,” an observer remarked.
“Powers” then got ready for his 40-yard dash by telling himself to “think fast” and “run fast.”
He repeated that phrase while running the 40 in 5.49 seconds.
“5.49?” A smiling Franklin yelled out.
Later on, Penn State QB Analyst Danny O’Brien asked “Powers” what the last team he played on was.
”I was homeschooled, and I never played ball” “Powers” responded.
“Really?” O’Brien said.
“Pickup Ball,” “Powers” added. “I watched a lot of film, though.
“Powers” then told O’Brien that his mom was his coach and teacher, although “Powers” claimed he didn’t get good grades.
”She wasn’t very smart,” Powers said. “She was a good coach, though.
O’Brien then led “Powers” in a throwing drill.
Sadly, Franklin informed “Powers” that he isn’t eligible to play college football.
This clip was part of a series called “Eli’s Places,” a program that focuses on Manning’s experiences at colleges. The series is streaming on ESPN+.
Manning’s visit to Penn State was highlighted by him awarding Barney Amor— a walk-on who is a real person— with a scholarship.
