Sometimes the most powerful stories begin as jokes. And sometimes, a disguise made of latex and a goofy wig can capture more hearts than a blockbuster film.
The question on everyone’s mind lately is simple yet curious: who is Chad Powers? What started as a light-hearted prank by NFL legend Eli Manning has now transformed into a cultural phenomenon—thanks to actor Glen Powell and a Hulu comedy that has audiences laughing, crying, and everything in between.
Chad Powers isn’t just a character. He’s a reminder that reinvention is possible, second chances can be hilarious, and sometimes the masks we wear reveal more truth than the faces we hide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Who Is Chad Powers?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is Chad Powers? | A fictional character created by Eli Manning in 2022 and later brought to life by Glen Powell in the Hulu series. |
| What is the story of Chad Powers? | He’s a disgraced quarterback, Russ Holliday, who reinvents himself with prosthetics to make a football comeback. |
| Is Chad Powers real? | No, he’s a fictional alter ego, but fans treat him like a real folk hero. |
| What is Chad Powers’ real name? | In the show, his real name is Russ Holliday. In the prank, he was Eli Manning in disguise. |
| What is Chad’s power? | His power lies in reinvention, humour, and heart—not just football skills. |
| What is Chad Powers famous for? | Becoming a viral sensation from Eli Manning’s prank and later starring in a Hulu comedy created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron. |
What Is the Story of Chad Powers?
The story of Chad Powers began on Eli’s Places, an ESPN series hosted by NFL star Eli Manning. In 2022, Eli pulled off a prank that would go viral. Disguised in full prosthetics and a wig, he pretended to be an unknown walk-on quarterback named “Chad Powers” during college football tryouts.
The result? Comedy gold. Manning, unrecognisable as the sweet yet awkward southern “folk hero”, impressed coaches and teammates while delivering some of the funniest lines of his career. Audiences couldn’t stop laughing. The sketch exploded online, sparking memes, highlight reels, and endless Twitter debates.
But what no one knew back then was that this goofy alter ego would inspire a full-blown comedy series. In 2025, Glen Powell stepped into the latex mask, taking Chad Powers from viral gag to heartfelt television.
In the Hulu/Disney+ show, Powell plays Russ Holliday, a disgraced quarterback who reinvents himself as Chad Powers after fumbling his career. What begins as desperation for a comeback becomes a heartfelt, hilarious journey of friendship, identity, and redemption.
Who Is Chad Powers in the NFL?
Technically, Chad Powers was never an NFL player. He’s a fictional character created by Eli Manning for comedic effect. Manning himself, of course, is one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks—leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories and securing his place in football history.
But here’s the poetic irony: while Chad never played in the NFL, his story resonates deeply with football fans. The awkward, prosthetic-wearing walk-on reminds us of every underdog who ever dared to dream of the NFL spotlight. He’s a symbol of resilience, humour, and the belief that maybe—just maybe—second chances are possible.
Is Chad Powers a Real Story?
- The short answer: no, Chad Powers isn’t real.
- The long answer: he’s real enough to matter.
Eli Manning may have created him as a prank, but the story has taken on a life of its own. Fans embraced Chad as though he were a genuine football folk hero. Glen Powell and co-creator Michael Waldron transformed the character into a six-episode comedy that feels oddly authentic, even in its absurdity.
Like Forrest Gump stumbling into history, Chad Powers fumbles into our hearts—not because he’s real, but because he reflects real struggles: failure, reinvention, and the need to belong.
What Is Chad Powers’ Real Name?
Here’s where it gets fun. In the Hulu series, Chad Powers isn’t just Chad. His real identity is Russ Holliday, a quarterback whose arrogance and mistakes destroyed his career.
In Eli Manning’s original prank, Chad’s “real name” was simply… Eli Manning. The prosthetics disguised one of the NFL’s most famous faces, proving that sometimes even legends dream of starting fresh.
So the poetic truth? Chad’s “real name” depends on the version you’re watching. But in every version, he’s someone desperate to rewrite their story.
What Exactly Is Chad’s Power?
It’s easy to assume the answer lies in football. After all, Chad can throw, run, and inspire a team with his quirky optimism. But his real “power” goes deeper.
- The Power of Reinvention: Chad represents the ability to start over, even when the world has written you off.
- The Power of Humour: His awkward charm and comedic timing remind us not to take failure too seriously.
- The Power of Heart: Beneath the prosthetics and wigs, Chad is a symbol of kindness, humility, and the belief in second chances.
In truth, Chad’s greatest power is this: he makes us laugh while reminding us of our own humanity.
What Is Chad Powers Famous For?
Chad Powers is famous for being the disguise that became a movement.
- First, he was Eli Manning’s hilarious alter ego on ESPN.
- Then, he became Glen Powell’s starring role in Chad Powers, a comedy blending sports, farce, and heartfelt storytelling.
- Now, he’s a pop culture icon—quoted, memed, and loved by fans who see a little of themselves in his goofy grin.
He’s famous for failure, for laughter, and for resilience. He’s famous because he proves that even in our lowest moments, comedy can save us.
Why the World Loves Chad Powers
There’s something undeniably human about Chad Powers. He isn’t perfect. He isn’t polished. He isn’t even real. But in his awkwardness, we see our own insecurities. In his disguise, we see our own masks.
Maybe that’s why audiences have embraced him so fiercely. Because when you strip away the prosthetics, what’s left isn’t a superstar or a prank—it’s a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance.