Peyton Manning has never been just a football personality. In addition to his record-breaking on-field career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, Manning has left his own permanent mark on the world of television broadcasting. Alternatively, with his brother Eli on hosting duties, the Manningcast is a Monday Night Football broadcast that blends in-depth detail, humor, celebrity interviews, and off-kilter cultural morsels. The program has become a platform for guest appearances, and this time, it’s a special invitation for a renowned guest. 

In an extraordinary move, Peyton Manning revealed that he personally handwrote a letter to Pope Leo XVI, inviting him to appear on the Manningcast. ”Come on the show anytime. It’s you, it’s Tiger Woods, it’s Bradley Cooper, it’s President Bush, it’s Larry David… We’d love to have you, Your Holiness,” Manning wrote, blending charm, humor, and star-studded appeal. The offer was made after Peyton’s approach to the executive assistant to the Pope, showing how far he was willing to stretch to get an out-of-the-blue and culturally relevant guest for Week 1 Bears-Vikings coverage. 

However, the Pope rejected it, as Manning clearly said, “couldn’t close the pope.” The plea was especially touching because Pope Leo XVI is the first American pope and a lifelong Chicago sports fan. Since becoming pope in May 2025, the Chicago native has shown a lighthearted love for his hometown teams, often wearing Bears jerseys and even accepting one from Vice President J.D. Vance with his name and the number 14 printed on it.

Hence, Manning’s suggestion to have him appear on Manningcast for a Bears-Vikings game put the appeal of the visit and cultural attraction in front of the local fans into perspective, making the offer all the more enticing. The mix of sports culture, Chicago’s pride, and worldwide significance made this prospective guest one of the most out-of-the-ordinary in show history. However, on the other hand, Week 1 welcomed the Minnesota Vikings coming from behind against Chicago to beat them 27-24 in a dramatic finish, topped by J.J. McCarthy‘s heroic play in the fourth quarter.

While playing football, Manning employed the broadcast as a vehicle for bringing attention to which excesses he would indulge in to connect the game to larger cultural events, such as his decision to have Pope Leo XVI appear on the show. However, there were some other guests, too, who refused to join the Manningcast.

Guests who refused to attend the Peyton Manning show before the Pope

The hand-delivered invitation was preceded by a series of rejection letters from other name celebrities. Such as Tiger Woods, Bradly Cooper, Larry David, and now Pope joined that list. Still, Manning aimed another shot to invite the big names, saying, “y’all are our most wanted on that list for the ‘ManningCast.’” On the other hand, Week 1 guests Bill Murray, Saquon Barkley, and Randy Moss were the only individuals who made an on-air appearance, so Manning was keen to bring a fourth, attention-drawing personality.

”I think we should try to let the people know that you tried to book a big-time fourth guest,” Eli told Peyton. “Is it true that you failed to book Chicago native, Pope Leo XIV?” Peyton responded, “I couldn’t close the pope. But I made the effort, Eli. And that’s the kind of effort we make here at ESPN2. I tried my hardest …” The exchange mined the effort that went into the Manningcast, revealing that the hosts intend to generate irrevocable, occasionally risky moments, even when they don’t go exactly as planned.

In spite of the denials, Manning’s letter story is a great anecdote to the broadcast legacy, cementing his status as a bridge connecting sports, culture, and celebrity. Ultimately, it’s moments like those that turn a sports broadcast into something more than a sports broadcast and turn the Manningcast into a kind of cultural event that unites football with the larger narratives of the world, from the guest celebrities to the international icons.