Manning Brothers Square Off in Fanduel's 'Kick of Destiny 3'

Gronk can watch from the sidelines

You won’t have Rob Gronkowski to kick around anymore.

That’s because Fanduel has replaced the retired tight end with former NFL quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning for its latest “Kick of Destiny” campaign.

On Feb. 9—during Super Bowl pre-game festivities—the brothers will take time out from ESPN’s ManningCast to engage in a live, nationally-televised 25-yard field-goal competition.

Dig the Beatle wigs and Peyton’s wrist-exerciser action in this promo:

Gronk famously missed his attempts in ’23 and ’24. Sadly, the silly vibe turned sober last year, when Apollo Creed actor Carl Weathers, who co-starred in teaser ads as Rob’s coach, died shortly before the Big Game.

These bids from the nation’s leading sportsbook helped establish the trend of brands lengthening the SB funnel by creating “events” to build buzz heading into the game. The approach felt fresh two years ago, but sagged a bit in ’24 even before Weathers’ passing.

It’s tough to say how the current bet will pay off. Though tapping the Mannings—media stars with a potent fanbase—should help.

“The ‘Kick of Destiny’ is becoming a great Super Bowl Sunday tradition, and I’m feeling really good about my chances to get the win,” Eli says in press materials.

“I’ve been studying film of great kickers and training hard to make sure I bring home the win for everyone in America who picks me to beat Eli,” says Peyton.

Once again, Wieden+Kennedy New York is behind the stunt, and “Kick of Destiny 3” invites fans to pick a winner for a share of $10 million in bonus bets.

Look for more commercials as we near kickoff, plus two in-game ads chronicling the competition.