By Add 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony host to Peyton Manning’s considerable list of accomplishments.
The Hall of Fame quarterback is working for NBC Sports during these Games, and he figured prominently in the network’s broadcast Friday.
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NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico introduced Manning and singer/talk show host Kelly Clarkson before the first delegation of athletes appeared along the Seine river for the parade of nations, and the two served as commentators throughout the procession.
“It’s been a magical trip to Paris for my family,” Manning said in his opening comments. “They’re hanging out at the Concorde right now with Snoop, Savannah and Hoda. I can promise you the red wine and baguettes are as good as you think they are. I’ve been a big consumer of both, so I’m just really honored to be here.”
Why is Peyton Manning at 2024 Paris Olympics?
The 14-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion is part of NBC’s coverage for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is co-hosting the opening ceremony with Tirico, the voice of “Sunday Night Football” — and the Olympics. Joining the two will be Clarkson, the country music artist-turned-TV talk show personality.
Manning, 48, has forged a successful post-playing career in sports media, founding Omaha Productions Studios and teaming with ESPN and other outlets to produce shows like the “ManningCast” and “Quarterback.”
Manning spent 18 seasons in the NFL with the Colts (1998-2011) and the Denver Broncos (2012-15). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021 as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS: Follow USA TODAY’s complete coverage here
On Friday, he often served as comic relief for Tirico and Clarkson.
At one point, Tirico brought up the ongoing drone controversy involving the Canadian Olympic soccer teams that led to the dismissal of women’s coach Bev Priestman. Manning didn’t miss a beat comparing the situation to one of the biggest NFL scandals in recent memory.
“A little Spygate in soccer in the Olympics,” he cracked, referencing the illegal filming tactics of the New England Patriots.
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But as the first countries appeared on boats, Manning made clear nothing he had done in sports compared to this opening ceremony.
“It’s great to see these athletes just taking it in. I think every moment of this boat ride they’ll always remember,” Manning said. “It’s unlike any pregame moment I’ve been a part of. You hear about that tunnel before a game in football or basketball. I’d argue this is the coolest tunnel of all time, being on a boat on the river Seine, headed toward the Eiffel Tower to start the Olympics. I don’t know how you beat that.”
