Peyton, Eli Manning tease John Elway over classic Vortex ad
If you were a child of the nineties, you may have grown up with a Vortex football. The classic toy was a fixture for any young football fan with the promise and potential of throwing it just as far as your favorite NFL quarterbacks. And it made a noise when you threw it! What could…
Denver Broncos legend and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway served as the spokesperson for the Vortex football, a toy that promised to replicate the throwing power of NFL greats. When John Elway appeared as a guest on the 2026 debut of the ManningCast on Monday Night Football, where the Denver Broncos were set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, his sons Eli and Peyton couldn't resist revisiting the classic commercial that had made him famous.
Rather than simply replaying the advertisement, the Mannings turned it into a memorable segment that showcased their playful banter and affection for their father. Eli attempted to outdo John Elway with the longest pass in recorded history, while Peyton took on the role of the straight man, mockingly expressing disbelief and frustration.
Peyton's memorable quip, "What are we doing? This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m sorry, John (Elway). This is brutal. What are we doing?" perfectly captured the absurdity of the moment. This delightful segment proved that the ManningCast is always an entertaining watch, even when discussing topics as old as a 30-year-old commercial.
For those looking to relive their childhood or for younger fans curious about the Vortex, it's still possible to purchase Nerf Vortex footballs at local retailers.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
