“After six successful and rewarding years, Peyton Manning and Papa Johns International have sold their stake in 31 Papa Johns locations, which were part of a joint venture in the Denver, Colorado market,” the pizza chain said in a statement.

During the period when Manning was a Papa John's multi-unit franchisee, the NFL also had close ties with Papa John's, forming a partnership that began in 2010, according to Restaurant Business. Through their Papa John's roles, Manning and Schnatter developed a friendly relationship that continued off-camera.

Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning sold his stake in 31 Papa John's franchises in the Denver area on February 26 after six years of ownership. Company spokesperson Peter Collins confirmed the news to USA TODAY.

TV Commercial Spot - Papa John's Ultimate Meat Pizza - Up Your Game - Ft. Peyton Manning - YouTube.

John Schnatter was known as “Papa John” after starting the chain in 1984. The company is now distancing itself from the former CEO and dropping the apostrophe in its name. Schnatter responded to the renaming in a statement Tuesday evening, saying, “Try as they may, they can't have Papa Johns without Papa John.”

Manning missed all of last season after having his third neck surgery in 19 months. Without Manning, the Colts finished with the worst record in the league.

CEO Steve Ritchie said on the company's earnings conference call that the league and the company mutually decided it was in their best interests for Papa John's, which became the official pizza of the league in 2010, to give up the designation. The brand is the first NFL sponsor to leave in the midst of its deal.

Papa John's is becoming less possessive about its brand name. The pizza chain is launching a new brand identity that includes dropping the apostrophe from its name, the company said in a news release on Tuesday. “Papa John's” will now be known as “Papa Johns” in its branding and marketing.

Shaq owns nine Papa John's restaurants in and around Atlanta. He has also appeared in Papa John's commercials and other advertising which is part of the criteria he required. He not only purchased nine franchises, but he also sold the company the right to use his likeness and voice for $8.5 million.

Peyton Manning, the biggest celebrity endorser of Papa John's pizza, is signaling a public split from the brand.

Peyton Manning, David Beckham star in 2022 World Cup commercial.

The brand's Q1 2023 lapped a quarter when it produced the company's highest sales volume in history. And that comped against Q1 2021, which previously marked the top result since Papa Johns began as an oven inside a broom closet in 1984.