ESPN made news yesterday with two of its more popular programs: “Pardon the Interruption” also known as “PTI” and the “ManningCast” on Monday Night Football.
PTI Goes On
There was concern that one of ESPN’s longtime programs, “PTI,” would be canceled, following the lead of its lead-in program “Around The Horn” which went dark in May.
Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon have sheparded the program since 2001, and it is on multiple times per day on the various ESPN networks so it would have been a gaping hole in more ways than one.
ESPN has reportedly signed Kornheiser and Wilbon to three year extensions keeping the program on until at least 2028.
Michael Wilbon: “We have an hourlong PTI today, are you excited, Tony?”
Tony Kornheiser: “No.” pic.twitter.com/qA4D8sVSLN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 4, 2025
In my opinion, it is one of the best programs on the network. Kornheiser and Wilbon have such a great relationship after decades of working together, and they cover all sports in a timed format.
Other shows which drone incessantly on one topic should take note that this is the formula for long-term success.
Kornheiser and Wilbon will have milestone birthdays in 2028, turning 80 and 70 respectively.
ManningCast Pursues Special Guest
With the Chicago Bears taking on the Minnesota Vikings on 2025’s Week 1 of Monday Night Football, Peyton Manning tried everything he could to get Chicago-native, Pope Leo XIV on the ManningCast program.
Peyton told his brother Eli that he handwrote two letters, one to the Pope and one to his assistant, in an effort to get him on the ear.
Peyton Manning wrote handwritten letters to Pope Leo to try to get him on the ManningCast.
“If you’re watching, Your Holiness, this is an open invitation. Come on the show anytime.”pic.twitter.com/fb2I9NKEAK
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 9, 2025
We know the Pope is a sports fan, supporting the Chicago White Sox and tennis; it is unclear if he is a football and/or Bears fan.
Peyton Manning issued an on-air open invitation for the Pope to join the program anytime.
The time difference could be just one of the challenges for him. With a six hour time difference beween Easter Time and Italian time, it is the middle of the night in Italy at kickoff on MNF.
