Eli Manning is facing a wave of criticism from NFL fans after appearing in a new Polymarket advertisement alongside LeBron James, with some viewers questioning why the former New York Giants quarterback would associate himself with a prediction-market platform.
The commercial, released as the NFL season gets underway, features an extraordinary collection of sports and entertainment names.
James leads the campaign, while Manning, Derek Jeter, Richard Sherman, Sue Bird, Reggie Bush, Rajon Rondo, Spike Lee, Emily Ratajkowski, John Leguizamo and others make appearances.
Manning’s involvement has nevertheless attracted particular attention because of the way his character is used in the advertisement.
During the fictional tour of Polymarket’s headquarters, Manning is shown tackling former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman, crashing through a wall in a deliberately over-the-top sequence.
James promoted the commercial on social media with the caption: “Step inside Polymarket HQ. Somebody get the ice bath ready for @EliManning after that tackle. 🧊🤣🏈 In partnership with Polymarket.”
The campaign comes shortly after James announced his own partnership with Polymarket. The NBA superstar initially teased the relationship in a short video before the larger commercial was released, with his work reportedly focused on football.
His previous partnership with DraftKings had expired earlier in the summer. For Manning, however, the reaction has been considerably less playful.
One social-media user directly tagged the former Giants quarterback and wrote: “Noooo Eli. Save your legacy, avoid this garbage”
Another posted: “I died of cringe 😬”
A third user took aim at the apparent setup of the commercial, writing: “@KingJames @EliManning Eli Manning already preparing excuses before the tackle happens.”
The criticism did not stop there. One viewer joked: “I’m 100% sure Eli Manning doesn’t know how to work the PolyMarket website”
Another questioned Manning’s decision to participate in the campaign, writing: “Expected better from you Eli, polymarket also can do political gambling. Prediction markets are bad for our country. Be BETTER”
The harshest reaction came from another commenter, who wrote: “disgusting money addict you need rehab or institutionalization”
Why the Polymarket partnership is attracting criticism
The backlash toward Manning is part of a wider debate surrounding prediction markets and the increasing involvement of sports stars in their promotion.
Polymarket has been attempting to establish itself as a major player in the American prediction-market industry, and the start of the NFL season provides a particularly valuable opportunity.
Barron’s reported that prediction markets could see enormous activity around the 2026-27 NFL season, with platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi competing aggressively for users.
The NFL itself has expressed concerns about sports-related prediction markets, particularly contracts involving player performance and officiating.
The controversy is also not limited to Manning. James’ decision to partner with Polymarket has generated criticism from sports fans who question the increasing overlap between professional athletes, celebrities and gambling-related businesses.
The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that prediction markets can raise ethical questions in sports, particularly when people with access to inside information are involved.
Polymarket’s latest campaign appears designed to make the platform feel less like a financial marketplace and more like part of mainstream sports culture.
By assembling recognizable figures from the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA and entertainment industries, the company is clearly attempting to appeal to a much broader audience.
Manning’s appearance is particularly notable because of the reputation he built during his playing career.
The former Giants quarterback spent all 16 of his NFL seasons in New York, won two Super Bowls and was named Super Bowl MVP in both victories over the New England Patriots.
He also holds virtually every significant Giants passing record and was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor, while his No. 10 jersey was retired.
That history helps explain why some fans are framing the commercial as a question of legacy rather than simply another celebrity endorsement.
Manning has remained closely associated with the Giants since his retirement, including through business and fan-engagement roles with the organization.
Whether the Polymarket appearance ultimately has any effect on Manning’s reputation remains to be seen.
For now, though, the former quarterback’s decision to take part in the star-studded commercial has sparked an unexpectedly loud response from NFL fans, with many focusing less on the humor of the ad and more on the platform Manning chose to promote.
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