Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has given hundreds of interviews during his NFL career, but his run-in with “Anchorman” Ron Burgundy trumps them all.

Will Ferrell continued his whirlwind press tour for “Anchorman 2” by appearing on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” as Ron Burgundy, the world’s most inappropriate news anchor. He interviewed Manning, who smiled indulgently as Burgundy fired off one ridiculous comment after another.

First, Burgundy noted that Manning had managed to piece together a Hall of Fame NFL career without the aid of a mustache, noting that the 37-year-old looked like a “succulent baby lamb.” Manning did his best to play along.

“I think I’ve managed to play quarterback okay without a mustache,” a chuckling Manning said. “Eli [his brother] tried to grow one a while back without much success, I have to say.”

Next, the “Anchorman 2” star asked Manning about his relationship with “Thunder,” the Broncos’ mascot, who also happens to be a live horse. “I’ve had my eye on that wonderful beast for decades,” Burgundy said.

Burgundy also treated the audience (and Manning) to the previously unknown details regarding his stint as a college football quarterback. “I played a little in my day,” he said. “San Diego State University, scout team quarterback. I used to yell ‘check off!’ all the time. No clue what it meant. But when I saw someone on that defense move, I just yelled ‘check off!’”

This isn’t the first time that Ferrell has crashed a sportscast as “Ron Burgundy.” He anchored a local news show in North Dakota on Saturday while remaining in character, and also made an appearance at the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials.

Burgundy and his sidekick, sports anchor Champ Kind, will guest-host “SportsCenter” on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” hits theaters everywhere on Christmas.

[h/t For The Win]

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