It’s not uncommon for athletes to make their acting debut in a TV ad. From Will Levis’ mayonnaise commercial to Patrick Mahomes’ and Travis Kelce’s friendship with Jake from State Farm, brand deals with NFL players are becoming more and more creative.
Applebee’s jumped on the ad train before the 2024 season with a unique approach: casting a coach as one of the faces of the restaurant’s new campaign. Lions play-caller Dan Campbell’s first curtain call went viral when it premiered in early September, and fans can’t get enough of his dedication to the craft.
Though it might have taken some prodding from his wife and daughter, Campbell appeared on television donning Applebee’s garb in place of his traditional Detroit Honolulu blue.
Fortunately for those working with the former tight end, “he’s as natural an actor almost as much as he’s a natural head football coach in the NFL,” as described by Applebee’s chief marketing officer Joel Yashinsky to ESPN.
Here’s everything to know about Campbell’s commercial debut, including why the Lions head coach covers his mouth in the new ad.
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Dan Campbell Applebee’s commercial
One of several ads released by Applebee’s at the beginning of the 2024 season…
