'Absolutely a clown': George W Bush shocks NFL fans with unexpected 'ManningCast' appearance

DALLAS, TEXAS: Former President George W Bush left NFL fans buzzing after making an unexpected cameo on ESPN’s 'ManningCast' during the Dallas Cowboys vs Las Vegas Raiders Monday Night Football game earlier this week.

The 79-year-old surprised viewers when he joined Eli and Peyton Manning live on air during their November broadcast, immediately cracking jokes and slipping into the brothers’ trademark banter. His rare television appearance quickly set social media alight as fans reacted with a mix of delight, confusion and frustration.

George W Bush jokes with Eli and Peyton Manning during live broadcast

Bush appeared relaxed as he settled into the ManningCast, even poking fun at the typically scripted nature of presidential speeches.

When Eli teased, “When presidents have important addresses to the nation, they often prepare for weeks, if not months. So my question is, how long have you been preparing for this ManningCast appearance?” Bush responded with a grin, “About ten minutes.”

He followed it up with another quip about the brothers’ frequent commercials, telling them he was glad to see their faces “not on the TV commercial,” sending the trio into laughter.

Fans react sharply as George W Bush’s cameo triggers mixed emotions online

As the game unfolded, social media platforms, especially X, lit up with reactions to the surprise guest.

One user commented, “The guy who was famous for those NINJA loans.”

Another viewer commented, “Bout 10 minutes in that Texas accent"

One critic wrote, "Bushwhacking tonight."

Another wrote, “Absolutely a clown.”

Another added, "Disappointing."

While another commented, "Southern white males are the problem."

But not everyone was upset. Some fans enjoyed the unexpected nostalgia.

One X user commented, "He’s always been notoriously likeable."

Another said, "Brilliant."

Bush has been spotted at several NFL events in recent months

The appearance wasn’t his first football-related moment this season. Earlier in the month, Bush and wife Laura were seen on the field at AT&T Stadium ahead of the Cardinals–Cowboys Monday Night Football game.

During the coin toss, Bush was caught reacting to the massive frame of Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell. Shaking hands with the 6ft 8in, 315lb veteran, Bush exclaimed on a referee’s mic, “Good God, man!”, a moment that quickly went viral.

Bush, who served as the 43rd president from 2001 to 2009, also has a long association with Texas sports as the former co-owner of MLB’s Texas Rangers. Raised in Texas and later serving as the state’s 46th governor, his appearances at Cowboys games have been a familiar sight over the years.

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