Peyton Manning sold his Papa’s John’s franchises two days before split with NFL

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Photo credit Catalina Fragoso/USA Today Sports

Peyton Manning sold his stake in 31 Papa John’s franchises two days before the pizza chain and the NFL ended their partnership.

Papa John's spokesperson Peter Collins said on Monday Manning dumped his stake in the Denver-area stores on Feb. 26 after "six successful and rewarding years" of ownership.

Collins added Manning remains a "spokesperson and brand ambassador” for Papa John’s as part of a long-term agreement between Manning and the company.

Papa John’s was the official pizza of the NFL until last week when the two parties ended the partnership. Pizza Hut signed on as the official pizza just hours later.

Manning is good friends with former Papa John's CEO John Schnatter, who resigned in December after claiming the NFL was the cause of the company's declining sales. 

Press: when will you retire, Peyton?Manning: Not sure, I just wanna go kiss my wife*kisses Papa John*Me: wut pic.twitter.com/M3fDoebVdf

— Mo Sabri (@TheMoSabri) February 9, 2016