If the lockout that threatens the 2011 NFL season comes to fruition, quarterback brothers Peyton and Eli Manning will a new skill to fall back on: acting.
DirecTV has set up a website promoting “Football Cops,” a spoof action series starring the strong-armed siblings as no-nonsense policemen who use their gridiron skills to thwart criminals.
While ostensibly a for signing up for the premium dish network, the trailer for the series indicates that it’s going for a comedy touchdown. The show’s premise is as goofy as the duo’s mustaches:
Peyton and Eli Manning star in this action-packed drama about two former pro football players who bring their unique brand of law enforcement to one of the country’s toughest neighborhoods. Mike Tahoe (Peyton Manning) was living the dream as a big league quarterback, until a personal tragedy brought him back to the mean streets of his childhood. Vowing to bring those who wronged him to swift justice, he enlists the help of his best friend, and biggest rival, C.J. Hunter (Eli Manning). Both grew up together as orphans in a home for wayward boys. Both overcame the odds to become huge sports stars. Now both are the only hope for the rugged streets they once again call home.
Unless this is some sort of elaborate marketing hoax, it appears that three episodes are in the works — and the “Season 1” tag hints at future seasons. Here are the synopses:
SEASON 1: PILOT – “TAHOE OUT OF BOUNDS”
After turning his back on a stellar pro football career to become a cop, superstar Mike Tahoe immediately realizes he’s in way over his head. Even though he’s not one who ever asks for help, he has no choice but to bring in his lifelong friend and biggest rival, C.J. Hunter.
SEASON 1: EPISODE 2 – “CHOP BLOCK”
A combination of unorthodox police work and dumb luck leads the football cops right to the heart of the city’s biggest stolen car network. Have they stumbled upon the bust of the year, or are they merely toying with powerful criminal forces that they don’t yet understand?
SEASON 1: EPISODE 3 – “QB SNEAK”
When a notorious crime figure gets off scot-free, Hunter decides to take the law into his own hands. The legendary Archie Manning joins the cast as Orlando Midnight, the shady defense lawyer that may very well get the football cops benched for good.
We’ve reached out to DirecTV to find out more about this interesting development, but for now, enjoy the clip.
