Rob Gronkowski can’t kick a field goal on Super Bowl Sunday, so FanDuel is turning to New Orleans’ own Peyton Manning and Eli Manning to get it done at Super Bowl 59.
After watching the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end shank kicks during its Super Bowl ads in 2023 and 2024, the National Football League’s official sports betting partner is making a substitution for its Kick of Destiny 3. This year, it’s pitting Hall of Famer, broadcaster, and former quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos Peyton Manning against his brother—Hall of Fame finalist, fellow broadcaster, and former New York Giants play caller Eli.
Sure, the Mannings have as many Super Bowl rings (two apiece) combined as Gronkowski (4), but the Big Game is in their family’s hometown, and they haven’t become an easy “miss” pick for FanDuel bettors over the years.
The two will each attempt a 25-yard field goal during Fox’s Super Bowl Pregame Show. If there’s no winner after three rounds, the Manning who kicked it closest to the center in the last round will be the winner. FanDuel customers can make a free pick for the Manning they think will win through the FanDuel Sportsbook app, with winning customers getting an equal share of $10 million in “Bonus Bets.”
“With the Kick of Destiny, we set out to make FanDuel a part of Super Bowl Sunday,” said FanDuel evp of marketing Andrew Sneyd. “For year three, we’re raising the stakes.”
FanDuel will feature the pregame kicks in recap footage aired during two ads during the game, celebrating fans who picked the winning kicker. It will also track the Mannings’ progress on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In the meantime, enjoy the teaser in which Eli revisits his fantasy of being a kicker.
“I’m feeling really good about my chances to get the win,” said Eli Manning. “I look forward to celebrating with everyone in America who picks me to beat Peyton.”
