Peyton Manning And Papa John's Relationship Is In An Awkward Place

In a case of fortuitous timing, two days before it was announced that Papa John's is no longer the official pizza of the NFL, professional spokesman retired Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning sold his stake in 31 Denver-area Papa John's, The Denver Post reports.

Papa John's corporate confirmed that Manning and the pizza chain had parted ways in the joint venture that included those locations. But the Papa-Manning couple hasn't completely broken up.

"Peyton remains an official Papa John's spokesperson and brand ambassador as part of his long-term agreement with the brand," the company said in a statement reported by Nation's Restaurant News.

Um, awkward.

So Manning doesn't think the pizzeria—beloved by neo-Nazis and on the wrong side of the anthem-kneeling debate—is a worthy investment, but he's going to continue shilling for the chain?

Peyton, if I learned anything from my early 20s, it's that once you break up with someone, you should end it for good. Put Papa John's hoodies in a trash bag, leave it in the hallway, and delete his number. Maybe you and Eli could start palling around with Pizza Hut instead. Or Domino's, they're doing really well now.