Eli Manning blames Glenn Powell for 'crushing' his Hollywood dream

Eli Manning recently revealed that he once thought he would land Glen Powell’s role in Chad Powers.

For those unaware, the American sports comedy television series created by Powell and Michael Waldron also stars the 37-year-old actor, screenwriter, and producer as Chad Powers/Russ Holliday.

During a PaleyLive panel celebrating the show’s sophomore season in New York City on September 3, Manning, along with showrunner Waldron and the show’s cast, such as Powell, Frankie A. Rodriguez, and Steve Zahn, stated that he was hopeful to reprise his role of Ole Miss in the second season.

He said, “Michael and Glen, I remember four or five years ago — I guess five years ago now when y’all, y’all called me up and and told me y’all wanted to take Chad Powers to the big screen and make it a show. And I was all about it and I was very excited.”

The NFL star added, “I thought I was going Hollywood” and “move the family out to L.A.. I was becoming a big actor and famous, and be on the cover PEOPLE Magazine … I was ready to go.” (sic)

Manning brought Powell into the discussion and jokingly asked him about feeling “guilty” as the former footballer blames him for "crushing" his dream of being a part of Hollywood.

“Eli, this entire tour is an apology tour,” the Top Gun 2 star replied, erupting the crowd into loud laughter.

“For everything I’ve done to you with this show. And I’m so sorry,” Glenn Powell jokingly said.

It is pertinent to mention that Chad Powers season 2 was released on Hulu on September 3, 2026.