Peyton Manning has landed a new gig: acting.
The retired NFL quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion has landed a guest role on Modern Family, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Manning will play Coach Gary, baby Joe’s sports tutor, whom Gloria (Sofia Vergara) brings in to help teach Joe how to throw and catch. When Coach Gary also starts doing things around the house, Jay (Ed O’Neill) is left feeling a bit emasculated.
Manning’s appearance is set for the 12th episode of the season, set to air in January. He joins a slew of impressive season-eight guest stars on the 20th TV comedy, including Nathan Fillion and Kelsey Grammer.
Co-creator Christopher Lloyd first teased Manning’s appearance in THR’s annual Power Showrunners list.
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Although this is Manning’s first acting role, the former Denver Broncos player is no stranger to the small screen. He previously appeared as himself on episodes of The Simpsons and Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris, as well as a 2007 stint hosting Saturday Night Live.
Manning most recently served as roast master for the Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe. After previously meeting Modern Family co-creator Steve Levitan in Mexico, Levitan approached Manning about the part at the roast. A big fan of the show, Manning said yes.
Manning played in the NFL for 18 seasons, during which time he was a five-time MVP, a 14-time Pro Bowl selection and the MVP for Super Bowl XLI. He decided to retire shortly after winning his second Super Bowl, Super Bowl 50, in February. Manning has continued to appear in national ad campaigns for Papa John’s Pizza, Nationwide Insurance and DirecTV. He is repped by CAA.
Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
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