The Economic Times

In 2012, Peyton Manning bought into 31 Denver-area Papa Johns restaurants; six years later, he sold his stakes two days before the NFL ended its sponsorship deal

Peyton Manning divested from his 31 Papa John's franchises in Denver in February 2018, shortly after the NFL ended its partnership with the pizza chain. This decision followed significant criticism directed at the company's founder for using a racial slur. By selling off his franchises, Manning adeptly safeguarded his reputation and demonstrated the critical need for athletes to reassess their endorsements in light of brand controversies.