Actress Perry Mattfeld Scores Big with Football Comedy 'Chad Powers'

In a surprising career move, actress Perry Mattfeld is stepping onto the football field with her new role in the sports-comedy series 'Chad Powers'. Mattfeld, known for her dramatic performances in shows like 'In the Dark' and 'Long Bright River', is now portraying assistant coach Ricky Hudson for the South Georgia Catfish's football team.

Mattfeld's personal connection to the sport proved invaluable for the role, as she was previously an athlete and is married to NFL veteran-turned-analyst Mark Sanchez. "When I read this script, I was like, the fact that my two worlds could be meeting together was amazing -- that is what made this my dream role," Mattfeld tells The Hollywood Reporter.

Alongside Mattfeld is comedian Glen Powell, who stars as Russ Holliday, a former NFL player going undercover as 'Chad Powers' to get a second chance at his dream. The show is based on ESPN's 2022 skit featuring Eli Manning in a similar disguise. Mattfeld praises Powell's comedic skills, saying, "I cannot believe we made a show based on the skit, the fact that it grew that much and by the end, you're so committed and so invested in this world and rooting for these people."

As the only one who initially sees through Chad's disguise, Mattfeld's character Ricky forms an unexpected friendship with the eccentric newcomer. "Ricky is a little bit isolated in her world, and she sees that Chad is somewhat isolated, and so they bond over being the odd ones in the bunch," Mattfeld explains.

With football being a lifelong passion for Mattfeld, she was able to bring an authentic touch to the series, even consulting with her husband Mark Sanchez on certain details. "Football has always been a very big part of my life, but it's never intersected with being an actress. Those worlds have never met. So when I read this script, I was like, the fact that my two worlds could be meeting together was amazing -- that is what made this my dream role."