- - Lainey Wilson’s 'ManningCast' Moment Went Exactly Where You’d Expect

Melina GrayDecember 16, 2025 at 4:49 AM

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(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

If you tuned into ESPN2’s ManningCast tonight during Dolphins vs. Steelers, you caught the exact kind of guest moment the alt broadcast does best. Lainey Wilson joined Peyton Manning and Eli Manning for a segment that was less “sports interview” and more “chaos with good vibes.”

And yes, the conversation quickly turned into a duck-calling demo.

During Wilson’s appearance, Peyton and Eli showed off their duck-calling skills, turning the segment into a playful back-and-forth that felt tailor-made for the show’s loose, hangout format.

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Why It Worked

Wilson’s appearance clicked because she understood the assignment. The ManningCast format rewards guests who are comfortable reacting in real time and rolling with whatever direction the conversation takes. Wilson did exactly that, leaning into the jokes and matching the brothers’ energy rather than trying to force a scripted promo moment.

It also helped that Wilson already has chemistry with Peyton Manning. She previously co-hosted the CMA Awards alongside him, so her presence on the show felt familiar rather than awkward. That comfort level translated on screen, especially during moments when the conversation veered completely off football.

Her appearance was part of a guest lineupESPN listed ahead of the game, which included Michael Keaton and former Dolphins star Jason Taylor.

Watch It Back

Moments like Wilson’s appearance are why the ManningCast continues to stand out years into its run. The show succeeds when it embraces unpredictability, and Wilson’s segment delivered exactly that. It was not about breaking down a play. It was about vibes, timing, and letting a spontaneous moment carry the broadcast.

For anyone who likes their football with a side of personality, Wilson’s appearance was a reminder of why ManningCast still hits. Sometimes the best part of the night is not the play call. It is the random, oddly wholesome moments you did not know you needed.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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