Peyton Manning sells 31 Denver-area Papa John’s franchises

Mar 6, 2018, 9:17 PM

Former quarterback Peyton Manning looks on prior to Super Bowl LII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

As Papa John’s adds “former” to its partnership with the NFL, Peyton Manning will add the same to his ownership in 31 Denver-area stores.

The Denver Post reports the former Denver Broncos quarterback sold off his stake in 31 metro area locations just days before the league ended its relationship with Papa John’s as its official pizza sponsor.

A statement from the company indicated that Manning will remain an official Papa John’s spokesman and brand ambassador.

Peyton Manning has sold his 31 Papa John’s franchises in the Denver area. Statement from the company: pic.twitter.com/q64diOj34x

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 7, 2018

The new owner of Manning’s 31 franchise plans to rehire all existing employees at its locations, the Denver Post reports.

Late last month, the NFL announced that it had entered into an exclusive sponsorship agreement with Pizza Hut.

“We know many of our fans enjoy pizza while watching NFL games, and we are thrilled to have Pizza Hut, an industry leader and one of America’s favorite brands, as an official league sponsor,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a release from the league.

“With a focus on family, friends and fun, Pizza Hut has the creativity we are looking for in a partner and we look forward to working together with them to make the at-home NFL experience more exciting than ever for our fans.”

The news comes three months after Papa John’s announced its founder, John Schnatter, would step aside as CEO but remain the company’s chairman.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.