KING'S HAWAIIAN TEAMS UP WITH ELI MANNING TO LAUNCH PETITION TO RECOGNIZE QUARTERBACK SLIDES AS AN OFFICIAL STAT

There is considerable proof that King's Hawaiian is the best slider off the field, and they think sliders on the field deserve the same recognition. That's why they are teaming up with Eli Manning to call on football to start recognizing quarterback slides. Fans who sign the petition have a chance to win FREE King's Hawaiian slider buns for life*

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Off the field, King's Hawaiian has perfected the slider, made on their irresistible rolls. On the field, Eli Manning perfected the quarterback slide. Now, the two are bringing their respective expertise together to call on football to recognize one of football's most overlooked moves: the quarterback slide. 

For generations, King's Hawaiian has been the bread behind some of gameday's best sliders, from buffalo chicken to pulled pork to chopped cheese. Meanwhile, throughout his legendary career, Manning made a name for himself by knowing exactly when to throw, when to run and when to slide. Together, in the brand's latest campaign, "The Best Slider in Football," King's Hawaiian and Manning agree:  while King's Hawaiian makes the best sliders off the field, Eli made some of the best slides on it. There's just one problem: you can't be the best if no one is keeping score. 

If you didn't know, the quarterback slide isn't recognized as an official statistic. For a quarterback, sliding is a strategic decision to end a play while avoiding a potentially significant hit. Knowing when to stop chasing extra yards and get down is a skill in its own right—and one that has generated plenty of debate among players, coaches, fans and media. So, if football tracks so much of what happens on the field – from passing yards to rushing yards to sacks, why doesn't it track the slide? 

That's why King's Hawaiian and Manning are launching a petition, calling on football to recognize quarterback slides as an official statistic. Fans can join Eli by signing the petition at  www.BestSliderInFootball.com  — and those who sign and submit proof of their signature will have the chance to win** FREE King's Hawaiian slider buns for LIFE*. Because if fans help recognize football's best sliders on the field, King's Hawaiian will take care of the best sliders off of it.

"Sliders are a crucial part of game day, both on and off the field," said Raouf Moussa, CMO at King's Hawaiian. "Therefore, we want to recognize their importance by making them an official stat. We knew we had to team up with one of the most iconic quarterbacks to help right this wrong." 

"The best way to settle a debate about the best slider in football is to look at the stats, so when King's Hawaiian came up with the stroke of inspiration to track quarterback slides, I couldn't wait to work with them to bring this to football and slider fans everywhere," said Eli Manning.

Created in partnership with creative agency Erich & Kallman, "The Best Slider in Football" campaign is also coming to screens nationwide in a new King's Hawaiian commercial spot starring Manning. Running throughout football season, the spot brings the playful slider debate to life as Manning makes his case for the title of "Best Slider in Football" while King's Hawaiian reminds fans who has the title locked down off the field. Watch the new spot here: https://youtu.be/AAQRFb6qx6k?si=CcmvJiWjxx0u-3CS.

With an official slide statistic, fans could finally debate the numbers behind the move: most slides in a season, most career slides, and longest slide. And, ultimately, they could settle the question once and for all: Who is the Best Slider in Football?  

* "For Life" calculation is figured as two (2) King's Hawaiian products per month for Thirty (30) years. Total prize distribution consists of 720 product vouchers as outlined in the Official Rules.
** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal U.S. residents residing in the 50 U.S. and D.C, age 18 and older. Starts at 10:00:00 a.m. ET on 9/22/26 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 2/14/2027. See Official Rules at www.BestSliderInFootball.com for details on how to participate, additional eligibility restrictions, prize descriptions/restrictions/ARVs and complete details. Message & data rates may apply. VOID OUTSIDE OF THE 50 US AND DC & WHERE PROHIBITED. Sponsor: King's Hawaiian Bakery West, Inc., 19161 Harborgate Way, Torrance, CA 90501.

The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners. ©2026 King's Hawaiian Bakery West, Inc.

Media Contacts: 
ALISON BROD MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 
[email protected] 

About King's Hawaiian® 
Founded more than 75 years ago in Hilo, Hawaii, by Robert R. Taira, KING'S HAWAIIAN is a family-owned business that has been dedicated to providing Hawaii-inspired foods made with original recipes and Aloha Spirit for three generations. KING'S HAWAIIAN makes the #1 branded roll in the United States, along with other irresistible products that inspire joyous food experiences people can't resist being a part of, including slider buns, hamburger buns, pretzel bites, and more. The soft and fluffy texture and perfect touch of sweetness of KING'S HAWAIIAN bread add even more fun and excitement to occasions big and small, including everyday meals and snacking, bringing loved ones together.  

For more information, visit the company's website at www.KingsHawaiian.com, or find KING'S HAWAIIAN on Facebook, Instagram and X. 

SOURCE King's Hawaiian