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'Omaha' to benefit Peyton charity

NFL, Denver Broncos

OMAHA, Neb. -- Peyton Manning's foundation for at-risk youth will receive a $500 contribution for every time the Denver Broncos' quarterback shouts "Omaha" during the AFC Championship Game.

Manning brought national attention to Nebraska's largest city with his loud "Omaha" pre-snap calls during the Broncos' playoff win over San Diego last weekend.

Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce president and CEO David Brown announced Thursday that five Omaha-based companies are combining to donate $500 to Manning's "Peyback Foundation" each time he shouts "Omaha" in Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

Manning said "Omaha" 44 times in last week's game. The same number against the Patriots would be worth $22,000 to his foundation.

The participating companies are ConAgra Foods, First National Bank of Omaha, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Steaks and Union Pacific Railroad.

An official with Omaha Steaks says the company is also considering offering Manning an endorsement deal that could include calling out its name during the big game.

"Omaha Steaks is always looking for awesome promotional opportunities that get our brand in front of customers and potential customers," said Todd Simon, a senior vice president at the company his family owns. "So if the economics were right, Omaha Steaks would consider a deal with Mr. Manning, especially given his apparent affinity for Omaha."

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league doesn't have a rule in place that forbids such a deal, and Alan Zucker, who is Manning's marketing agent, wouldn't comment on whether his client would accept it in the first place.

Information from ESPN.com business reporter Darren Rovell and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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