The Top 10 Funniest Commercials of 2016
By Buckie Wells
9. Peyton Manning’s Nationwide Commercials
In addition to being one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and holding the record for the most regular/postseason wins, Peyton Manning has a knack for comedy.
He’s appeared in several commercial campaigns over the course of his career (like DirecTV.) But no one took official notice of his humor until 2007 when he appeared in the SNL short “United Way.” It showed Manning volunteering his time with some youth. Of course, things didn’t pan out the way he was expecting and hilarity ensued.
But Peyton shines brightest when he appears in the Nationwide commercials. His “Jingle” campaign includes several different versions of the commercial, in which he says random things to the tune of the company’s slogan/jingle “Nationwide is on your side.” Each commercial is great. But his most enjoyable commercial is the one above which gives us the lines “crawfish shorts I like your style” and “epic comeback starts right here.” He says that right before he really throws himself into a failed ping-pong return.
One of the more recent commercials, “Wrong Way,” showcases Manning’s self-awareness and willingness to cop a joke at his own expense. His unassuming charm and easy stance are the perfect combination to convince people that Nationwide is, indeed, on our side.
I’m also glad retirement hasn’t changed you, Peyton.
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