Newsletter
Megan Thee Stallion's Pepsi Epic and More NFL Kickoff Ads
Other highlights: Paintin' Manning and breaking the 4th wall with Shannon Sharpe
It’s game-on for brands in anticipation of the NFL season which begins today. A while back, Muse looked as some early football-themed entries of note. Now, we’ve rounded up more outstanding work.
‘Make Your Gameday Epic’ – Pepsi
Megan Thee Stallion stars as an empress in Pepsi’s wild NFL promo and tie-in with the upcoming blockbuster Gladiator II. A version of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” provides the soundtrack. (Nothing else would do! And Pepsi called a similar play once before.) Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce battle tigers using their gridiron skills. Go long, gentlemen. Go VERY long. From RSA Films. It’s our Ad of the Week!
‘Craziest Open House Ever’ – NFL Sunday Ticket / Youtube TV & NFL
Prankvertising—all the rage in the Obama era—returns! NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube showcases the “Craziest Open House Ever.” We get a faux realtor, unsuspecting football fans and hidden cameras. Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe’s house gets fake walls. Naturally, destruction ensues. Ultimately, he rewards freaked-out fans with free subscriptions to the show. Done in partnership with whoisthebaldguy.
‘Lime Wedge Football’ – Corona
Corona partners with former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning for a new tailgate game: “Lime Wedge Football.” The activity replaces triangular paper footballs with lime wedges. Fans can purchase limited-edition merch signed by Manning on Corona’s website. The brand is also encouraging people to play makeshift versions at home and tag the company for a chance to appear on the beer brand’s social channels. It’s finger-flicking good!
‘You Know We Got IT’ – Gatorade
Gatorade supports “a new era of athlete individualism.” This one plays up the NFL’s ties to women’s sports and the public’s growing love of flag football. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and flag icon Diana Flores appear, among others. It’s designed to remind athletes of all levels that the “spark to achieve comes from within.” Created by TBWA\Chiat\Day L.A.
‘Treating Its Customers Right’ – BetMGM
BetMGM puts Jamie Foxx centerstage. “Treating Its Customers Right” is the theme. Foxx performs several characters, demonstrating the benefits of the sports-betting brand. Ads will appear in prime time and run on multiple platforms. Highdive produced the work.
‘Mayotivations’ – Hellmann’s
Hellmann’s features Titans quarterback Will Levis in his first TV ad with the brand. The goal is to unite the worlds of football and mayonnaise. (Think game-day cuisine.) Levis makes with the dramatic whispers: “Mayo team reach higher, and may your Buffalo chicken dip be fire” in a spoof of perfume commercials. VML created the work.
‘So Much More’ – Nationwide
The company partnered with former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning in the latest installment of a decade-long partnership. PM expresses previously unknown sides of himself. Nationwide’s goal is to communicate that it’s more than an auto and home insurance company—it’s an all-round financial-services titan. “Paintin’ Manning” debuts today with more ads to come. Work by Ogilvy.
‘All the Ways We Help’ – Lowe’s
The home improvement retailer enlists Travis Kelce, Christian McCaffrey, Dak Prescott and C.J. Stroud in a series of 15- and 30-second ads designed to calm customers’ nerves about home projects. The funny spots lampoon NFL highlight shows, but give way to DIY moments. Dentsu Creative produced the work.
