Does Peyton Manning Still Own His Papa Johns Franchises?

Peyton Manning, the iconic NFL quarterback known for leading the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victories, has made a name for himself beyond the football field and into the franchise world. 

The athlete famously owned 31 Papa Johns locations in the Denver area from 2012 to 2018. Here’s a look into Manning's venture into the pizza industry, his association with Papa Johns and the subsequent developments that led to his exit from the business.

The Manning-Papa Johns Partnership

Manning's affiliation with Papa Johns began in 2012 when he acquired ownership of 31 Denver-area Papa Johns franchises. His decision to invest in the pizza chain was not only a business move but also a personal endorsement. 

"I've been a fan of Papa Johns pizza for a long time," Manning shared with the press at the time. "It's a smart investment now and will be long after I'm done playing football."

Beyond being a franchisee, Manning actively supported the brand through media appearances, in several television commercials alongside John Schnatter, Papa Johns then-CEO. In these commercials, Manning also encouraged fans to consider franchise ownership opportunities within the Papa Johns network.

Manning's Exit from Papa Johns

In 2018, a significant development unfolded when Peyton Manning decided to sell his stake in the 31 Papa Johns locations. Interestingly, this move occurred just a day before the pizza chain dropped its official NFL sponsorship. The announcement came via a statement from Papa Johns International, confirming the sale of the Denver locations that were part of a joint venture with Manning. According to Peter Collins, Papa Johns senior director of public relations, the restaurants were acquired by an existing Papa Johns franchisee with a substantial presence in large markets. 

Manning’s decision to sell raised fans’ eyebrows about the motivation behind the move. However, the specifics of Manning's reasons for parting ways with the pizza empire were not explicitly stated. 

Athlete-Franchise Partnerships at Papa Johns

While Manning bid farewell to his Papa Johns ownership, other athletes have stepped into the franchise game with the pizza giant. One notable figure is basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, who owns nine Papa Johns locations in and around Atlanta. Not only does Shaq serve as a franchise owner, but he is also a member of the company's board of directors and a brand ambassador.

In April 2022, Papa Johns and Shaq solidified their partnership with a new endorsement deal worth $5.63 million. This strategic move came in the wake of the brand's efforts to rebuild its image and regain favor among customers following controversies involving founder John Schnatter in 2018.

Manning's foray into the pizza business with Papa Johns added a notable chapter to his post-NFL career. As other athletes like O'Neal take the reins in the world of Papa Johns franchise ownership, the legacy of Manning's pizza empire remains.