Eli Manning’s college football career ended in 2003, but that didn’t stop the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback from “walking on” at Penn State in disguise as Chad Powers.
As part of a skit for his ESPN show “Eli’s Places,” Manning donned a wig and fake nose and took some snaps in Happy Valley, throwing some passes to hopeful college receivers before finally revealing his real identity at the end.
Penn State didn’t give Powers a scholarship, but they are selling some Chad Powers merchandise.
Exclusive Chad Powers shirts on sale this Saturday at @PennStateFball !
Available in Penn State Bookstore locations in the All-Sports Museum Gift Shop by Gate B, all sales trailers around @beaver_stadium ,and the HUB.
#WeAre #PennState pic.twitter.com/z1zStK0c3V— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) September 22, 2022
One borrows his in-the-moment trademark phrase, “Think fast, run fast,” which he repeated while running his (unimpressive) 40-yard dash.
It also has a cartoonish image of him in his disguise. The other is a replica of his No. 200 tryout shirt.
Fans could buy those ones around the stadium and other locations in State College this weekend, but one design was reserved for fans who do, in fact, think fast and run fast—at least faster than Powers. Fans who beat his 40 time this past weekend got a special T-shirt designed with that catchphrase and a caricature of Powers’ hair, nose and mustache.
Wanna be like Chad Powers? Here is your chance!🔥
Head over to Medlar Field this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to test your speed and a chance to win a "Think Fast Run Fast T-Shirt!"👕
**Mustache & flow optional** #WeAre #PennState pic.twitter.com/bSUTbVDj3y
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) September 21, 2022
The new NIL rules make it possible for student athletes to sell merchandise, but Eli has been retired since 2019. So, we’re not exactly sure how this works under NCAA regulations.
But, it’s a fun idea for a tie-in for Penn State, which obviously has a huge fanbase to drum up excitement for. The Eli connection was a one-off event, but fans can remember it as if that awkward looking Chad Powers actually did make the team and start taking snaps at Beaver Stadium.
