Glen Powell’s Hilarious ‘Chad Powers’ Makes the High Score as Washed-Up Quarterback

Chad Powers isn’t your typical football hero story. This Hulu comedy follows Russ Holliday (Glenn Powell), a hotshot quarterback whose terrible behavior completely nukes his college career. Craters it. So what does he do? He pulls a total identity switcheroo, disguises himself as the sweet, charming “Chad Powers,” and tries to walk onto a struggling Southern football team. No problem, right?

The Wild Origin Story Behind Chad Powers

Here’s where things get really interesting. This whole thing started with NFL legend Eli Manning pulling off one of the most epic pranks in sports history. Back in 2022, for his ESPN+ show “Eli’s Places,”

Manning disguised himself and went full undercover at Penn State football tryouts. We’re talking wig, a prosthetic nose, the works. Eli transformed into “Chad Powers” – a walk-on hopeful who could mysteriously launch perfect passes downfield while looking like he belonged at a wild frat party, not on a football field.

The kicker? Most of the college players had absolutely no clue they were getting schooled by a two-time Super Bowl champion. Manning’s reveal at the end was total freakin’ perfection, and the internet went completely feral for it.

“The love for Chad Powers has surprised me in spectacular ways,” Manning said. “I played 16 years in the NFL, but now when I’m in a restaurant or walking through an airport, it’s not uncommon for fans to scream, ‘Hey Chad!'” How hilarious is that?!

Powell’s Transformation Is Next-Level Commitment

Can we talk about Glen Powell‘s dedication for a hot minute? The man completely transformed himself for this role, and the results are… well, let’s just say his usual heartthrob status took a serious hit. In the best possible way.

“I thought he looked unbelievable. I mean, he looked terrible, which is hard for Glen to look really bad. He looked bad like I did!” Manning told Us Weekly, and honestly, that might be the best compliment ever.

The 15-second teaser Hulu dropped shows Powell looking unrecognizable, promising “something kinda big” is coming. And based on those Georgia stadium filming photos, where he got booed by thousands of fans.

The All-Star Team Making It Happen

Chad Powers isn’t just Powell’s show – it’s a proper team effort. He’s co-creating and executive producing alongside Michael Waldron (the genius behind “Loki” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”).

The cast in this includes Perry Mattfeld as Ricky, Quentin Plair as Coach Byrd, Wynn Everett as Tricia, Frankie A. Rodriguez as Danny, and the always-brilliant Steve Zahn as Jake Hudson. Plus, both Manning brothers are executive producing through their Omaha Productions company.

“We’re both diehard college football fans,” Powell and Waldron said in a joint statement. “When we saw Eli as Chad Powers, we knew that was the way into a big, fun story about this world.”

Why We Need Chad Powers Right Now

Admittedly, we’ve all seen our fair share of sports comedies. But Chad Powers feels different. It’s about second chances, identity, and the really crazy world of college football culture.

In our current era of carefully curated social media personas and endless personal rebranding, there’s something refreshing about a character who literally puts on a disguise to become a better version of himself. Plus, Powell’s willingness to look completely ridiculous for the sake of comedy? That’s the kind of commitment that makes great television.

The Chad Powers Legacy Lives On

Manning explained the character’s DNA during a 2022 appearance on “The Tonight Show,” crediting “three great uncles” as inspiration: Austin Powers, Kenny Powers, and (wait for it…) Uncle Rico. That’s a holy trinity of comedic characters right there, and it explains everything about why Chad Powers works so well.

The fact that a simple ESPN+ sketch has evolved into a full Hulu series with a major Hollywood star? That’s the kind of organic, weird internet magic that doesn’t happen very often. And when it does, you’d better believe people are going to tune in.

The Goal: Get Ready to Root for the Underdog

Chad Powers drops September 30th on Hulu, with the first two episodes premiering together, then new ones every Tuesday. From everything we’ve seen so far, this is going to be the kind of show that has everyone talking around the water cooler (or on Discord or Slack channels, whatever).

Powell’s transformation alone is worth the price of admission, but throw in Manning’s involvement, Waldron‘s writing chops, and what looks like a genuinely heartfelt story about redemption and identity? Yeah, this one’s going to be a touchdown! Just don’t expect to recognize Glen Powell under that golden mane of hair.