When Eli Manning teams up with SNL impressionist James Austin Johnson, it doesn’t take long before a Bob Dylan impression enters the game.
The two appear together in a new episode of Manning’s ESPN+ series Eli’s Places, where the former quarterback gets an improv crash course from the Saturday Night Live standout—and a Dylan-style play-by-play of his own highlight reel.
A spinoff of brother Peyton Manning’s Peyton’s Places, Eli’s Places follows Eli as he explores the culture and history of college football, often inserting himself into the action. Past episodes have featured him recreating the first-ever college football game with Jon Stewart and visiting the set of Glen Powell’s Hulu comedy Chad Powers.
In the just-released episode, “Man in the Suit,” Manning dives into the world of football mascots — even auditioning to become one of the University of Oklahoma’s costumed characters. Hoping to sharpen his performance skills, he turns to Johnson at The Second City’s New York outpost for a little improv training.
Johnson offers tips, critiques Manning’s Arnold Schwarzenegger impression, and breaks into his signature Dylan voice to narrate Manning’s famous 2014 touchdown pass to Odell Beckham Jr. The resulting clip (see above) is pure gold.
In another highlight, Johnson reflects on which early TV gig was tougher — getting killed by Lalo Salamanca on Better Call Saul, or starring in a DirecTV commercial with Peyton.
After their chat, Manning joins Johnson on stage for a few scenes under the guidance of a Second City instructor. By the end of the workshop, the former Giant has bigger ambitions than mascot duty.
“James, when do they hold auditions for SNL?” Manning asks his new improv partner.
“I’ll have to ask Lorne and get back to you,” Johnson replies.
Manning already has some Saturday Night Live experience, having hosted the show in 2012. His Season 37 episode saw him play himself in “Motion Capture,” and take on memorable roles like a hapless defendant and the forgotten third member of Cheech & Chong. (He also popped up for a cameo when Peyton hosted in 2007.)
The James Austin Johnson episode of Eli’s Places is now streaming on ESPN+.
