Peyton Manning says he tried to book Pope Leo XIV for Manningcast during Bears’ season opener
Manning displayed handwritten letters on ESPN2’s Manningcast and invited the newly elected pontiff to appear, but the Pope did not join the broadcast as the Chicago Bears fell to the Vikings 27-24.
Peyton Manning told viewers Monday night that he attempted to recruit Pope Leo XIV to appear on ESPN2’s Manningcast during the Chicago Bears’ season opener at Soldier Field, but that his efforts were unsuccessful.
Manning, co-hosting the alternative Monday Night Football broadcast with his brother Eli, said he had written two hand-written letters to the Vatican — one addressed to the pontiff and one to the pontiff’s executive assistant — and displayed them on air as evidence of the outreach. "I tried my hardest," Manning said, inviting the pope to "come on the show anytime." He added, "Kind of like when I failed to recruit Randy Moss to [the University of] Tennessee, I couldn't close the Pope." The broadcast also noted the seven-hour time difference between Chicago and Rome, and said the newly elected pontiff was likely sleeping in Rome when the game began.
Guests on the Manningcast during the Bears’ first game since a native son was elected pope included actor Bill Murray, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and former receiver Randy Moss. Manning said other names on viewers’ wish lists for future appearances included Tiger Woods, Bradley Cooper, former President George W. Bush and comedian Larry David.
The Manningcast segment came as the Bears hosted the Minnesota Vikings in the first Monday Night Football telecast of the NFL’s 2025 season. Minnesota rallied in the fourth quarter to win 27-24, handing Chicago a loss in its home opener.
The Manningcast, which offers an informal, conversational alternative to ESPN’s main telecast, has become known for celebrity guests and unscripted moments. Manning’s on-air disclosure of the handwritten letters and his direct invitation to the Vatican added a lighthearted subplot to Monday’s broadcast, even as the on-field contest ended in a late comeback by the visiting Vikings.
The Bears opened the season at Soldier Field with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central. The team’s home opener and the Manningcast’s efforts to involve high-profile guests highlighted the intersection of sport, celebrity and public life during the early weeks of the NFL calendar.