Soccer Star Midge Purce Makes History as ManningCast's First-Ever Football Guest
Midge Purce has a knack for making headlines. From her Broadway performance in Chicago this year to earning MVP honors in the 2023 National Women's Soccer League championship, she seems capable of excelling at anything. This Monday, Dec. 1, Purce will make history as the first professional soccer player, regardless of gender, to guest on ManningCast.
"I'm truly honored and grateful, without a doubt," Purce shares with Sports Illustrated. "I believe it's going to be incredibly enjoyable, and it's always entertaining to tease Eli when he visits the [Gotham training] facility, but doing it alongside Peyton will be another wonderful opportunity."
Hosted by NFL icons and siblings Peyton and Eli Manning, ManningCast serves as an alternative broadcast for ESPN's Monday Night Football, providing not just standard commentary, but a conversational talk-show atmosphere. Currently in its fifth year, the Emmy-award-winning program has welcomed stars such as Sue Bird, LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, Lindsey Vonn, Steph Curry and various other athletes and media figures.
"We're thrilled to witness a Gotham FC appearance on the ManningCast as we celebrate our team's second NWSL title in three seasons," stated a Gotham FC representative to SI. "Both Eli and Peyton understand what it takes to win crucial matches, and Midge will blend seamlessly with the group after securing another championship. This presents an excellent chance for the world to discover more about our organization and witness the dynamic personalities within it."
Purce, who captured the 2025 NWSL championship with Gotham FC just over a week prior, will accompany the Manning duo during Monday's broadcast featuring the New York Giants versus New England Patriots. Eli Manning, the Giants' legendary signal-caller, also holds a minority ownership stake in Gotham FC.
Although neither the Giants nor Patriots represents Purce's preferred team—she supports the Commanders—the D.C. region native enjoys both versions of football, and she's eager to earn her spot on the Perfect Prediction leaderboard while discussing NWSL topics with both Eli and Peyton, the latter having recently become an investor in Denver's expansion franchise.
With the NWSL offseason underway, Purce is seizing the chance to not only explore new ventures like ManningCast, but also find personal time to relax. The forward remains a free agent who hasn't committed to signing or re-signing with any club, and she's keeping her future plans private.
"I'm still recovering from the hectic year we've experienced, it's felt like one of the most demanding seasons I've had in the league given that I was still returning from my ACL injury during preseason," Purce explains. "But I've always maintained that the ideal offseason follows a championship. You simply rest and sleep much better, so I'm savoring that before returning to my offseason preparation."
ManningCast featuring Purce will broadcast live on ESPN2 Monday evening beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.