Eli Manning

Former NFL quarterback best known for his 16-season career with the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowls and was named Super Bowl MVP twice. He is also a media personality and youth-sports advocate who has spoken publicly about keeping sports focused on the joy of play.

ESPN Opens $10,000 Grant Round for Youth Sports Innovation

ESPN’s Jennifer Paulett used the Project Play Summit 2026 to frame Take Back Sports as a participation-first youth sports initiative, arguing that the goal is more children playing in safe, positive environments rather than a pipeline for elite athletes. Paulett said ESPN and Disney will open a second round of the Take Back Sports Innovation Challenge, offering $10,000 grants to summit organizations with 30 days to apply.

The Aspen InstituteMay 21, 20263 min read