Peyton Manning to own pizza stores

Peyton Manning is now a pizza man.

The Denver Broncos quarterback became signed a deal with Papa John's pizza Friday to own 21 Denver-area stores. The pizza company also announced a multiyear contract to remain the official pizza of the NFL and the Super Bowl.

"He's the kind of partner we're looking for, not only in marketing but in business," said Papa John's chief marketing officer, Andrew Varga.

Manning was part of a 2011 Super Bowl promotion and has since appeared in commercials with founder and CEO John Schnatter.

A new commercial will air during Sunday's Broncos-Saints game in which Manning will state that, as a new franchisee, he can give away free pizzas.

"It's a smart investment now and will be long after I'm done playing football," Manning told reporters.