Peyton Manning sold off his stake in 31 Denver-area Papa John’s locations two days before the NFL dropped the pizza chain as its official pizza sponsor.
Manning, who retired as the Denver Broncos’ quarterback after winning Super Bowl 50 two years ago, could not be reached for comment.
But Peter Collins, Papa John’s spokesman, confirmed in an email that the former Bronco had sold his stake, which was part of a joint venture with Papa John’s International after “six successful and rewarding years,” Collins said.
An existing Papa John’s franchisee who operates “a substantial number of Papa John’s locations in large markets” acquired the 31 stores, he said.