The Enduring Charm of Coke's Mean Joe Greene Ad

It was one of those early Super Bowl commercials that helped turn the game into an advertising showcase—Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!” spot from McCann-Erickson, starring Mean Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In our latest look back at memorable Super Bowl ads, we revisit the simple and charming 1980 classic, and why it still resonates deeply so many decades later.

Featuring:

• Michele Tafoya, NFL Sideline Reporter 
• Matt Wallaert, Behavioral Science Expert
• Tiffany Rolfe, Global Chief Creative Officer, R/GA
• Tim Nudd, Editor in Chief, Clio Awards and Muse by Clio
• Susan Credle, Global Chief Creative Officer, FCB
• Eric Francisco, Entertainment Journalist, Inverse
• Fernando Machado, Chief Marketing Officer, Activision Blizzard

See previous episodes from our series here:

Always ‘Like a Girl,’ From Online Viral Hit to Super Bowl Champion

The Sad, Somber Hilarity of Monster.com’s ‘When I Grow Up’

Chrysler and Eminem’s Epic Salute to Detroit and Its Auto Industry

The Night Alexa Lost Her Voice but Spoke Louder Than Ever

Eli Manning on His NFL Ad and Those Sweet Dirty Dancing Moves

The NFL’s Epic Super Bowl Ad That Was 100 Years in the Making

When Every Ad Was a #TideAd: How P&G Hijacked the Super Bowl

Nothing but Net: Jordan and Bird’s Epic Showdown for McDonald’s

How Reebok’s Terry Tate Smashed His Way Into Super Bowl History

Cindy Crawford for Pepsi: Two Icons, One Perfect Super Bowl Ad

Budweiser’s ‘Puppy Love’ … the Cutest Super Bowl Ad Ever?

How Doritos and Mountain Dew Created a Rap Battle for the Ages

Betty White and Snickers: A Match Made in Super Bowl Heaven