Perry Mattfeld Photograph by Jordan Owen Although sports have always been a significant part of Perry Mattfeld's life, she was unable to combine her two passions: football and acting. That is until now, as Mattfeld stars alongside Glen Powell in the new sports-comedy series Chad Powers, as assistant coach Ricky Hudson, for the South Georgia Catfish's football team. While the role is a stark contrast than her previous parts in recent years, such as playing a blind woman in the CW's In the Dark, and a heroin addict in Peacock's Long Bright River, it's a one that seems like the perfect fit for the actress, since Mattfeld was previously an athlete, has a deep knowledge of football - oh, and she's also married to NFL veteran-turned Fox Sports' analyst Mark Sanchez. Related Stories TV 'Mid-Century Modern' Canceled After Single Season at Hulu TV Glen Powell Plans to Go Incognito as Chad Powers in the Real World "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. "I remember reading the audition sides and talking all that football lingo. It was stuff that I genuinely was like, 'I know this! I know what these mean!' I always surprised myself with how much football knowledge I actually have." Chad Powers - which is based on ESPN's 2022 skit of Eli Manning (who also executive produces with Payton Manning and Powell), who went undercover with the help of prosthetics to try out for Penn State's football team - follows star quarterback, Russ Holliday's (Powell) career crumble in the NFL after a mistake. To get a second chance at his dream, he goes incognito as Chad Powers to play football for the South Georgia Catfish. As part of his disguise, Chad wears a wig, speaks in a high-pitched accent and gets help to master the special effects makeup from Danny (Frankie A. Rodriguez), the school mascot. However, his unusual, yet charming persona soon earns the attention of Ricky and they develop an unexpected friendship. "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 describes. But in addition, he helps her to be taken more seriously as a female coach. Below, Mattfeld teases what's in store for Ricky and Chad's dynamic, the input Sanchez gave to the show's writers, how football is an everyday occurrence, as well as what she hopes is next for her career. How familiar were you with Eli Manning's Chad Powers spoof, and what was your reaction when you found out a whole show was being made from that one sketch? I knew about the spoof. I do happen to be a football fan myself. That's something that's so surprising about the show is the authenticity of the world, that it was created around a skit. When I saw all six episodes, even I was shocked. 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. And I hope that people will have the same commitment and investment in this world. Speaking of your connection to sports, you're married to former NFL player and now broadcaster Mark Sanchez. Did your own personal connection to sports lead you to want to be a part of the show? Did that help you connect and relate to your character? Yes, very much so. I was a high school cheerleader and then a college cheerleader as well at USC. Then, ended up marrying a former player, now analyst. So, 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. I remember reading the audition sides and talking all that football lingo. It was stuff that I genuinely was like, "I know this! I know what these mean!" I always surprised myself with how much football knowledge I actually have, just because it's all we're allowed to watch at home anyway. So, there was definitely a genuine connection to the show and that was what pulled me for sure. You're probably a pro at all the lingo. Yeah, It's funny. I'll be overhearing a conversation that I'm not a part of and end up piping in like, "Oh, well yeah, that was Justin Jefferson or something." And then I'm like, "Oh my God, why do I know that?" I even surprised myself that I have things to offer. But that's something that's really cool about the entire cast and creators as well. Everyone had a personal interest in this show. Everyone wanted to do it because they're college fans, former athletes, or had a connection and a draw to it from their own personal experiences. Perry Mattfeld in 'Chad Powers.' Daniel Delgado Jr./Disney You play assistant coach Ricky. She's the only one who immediately calls out Chad and thinks this can't be a real person