Pepsi and NFL Gladiator II Ad: Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Megan

Pepsi and NFL Gladiator II Kickoff Ad Starring Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Megan Thee StallionPhoto byCourtesy of Pepsi

Another football season is upon us and that means new commercial advertising. Commercials and the NFL share a long history with one another. With some of the most epic commercials EVER, airing during the yearly Super Bowl. However, what is getting rolled out as the 2024-2025 season commences? A project that mixes nostalgia, music, football stars and a cinema sequel. Sports fans get ready to feast your eyes on the Pepsi and NFL Gladiator II Kickoff Ad Starring Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Megan Thee Stallion.

That’s a lot of star power. But this is a tactic we have become accustomed to seeing from big name brands and companies. Utilizing the power of celebrity to help promote, influence and provide more relevancy to products.

In this case, the NFL, Pepsi and the film industry all came together to promote themselves. The NFL wanted to excite fans about the new season, Pepsi wants consumers to reach for one of their cans; and the entertainment sector wants moviegoers to go see the latest Gladiator story.

Pepsi and NFL Gladiator II Kickoff Ad Starring Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Megan Thee Stallion

So then, how did they do it? What is this commercial about? Well, if this new ad feels like deja vu, you have a good eye. This has been done before back in the early 2000’s.

You may recall the pop stars of that era, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Pink coming together to “rock” the crowds… and Enrique Iglesias. Well, in the modern version of 2024, the commercial starts off with the We Will Rock Yousong chant by Queen. But the gladiators competing for their lives against a tiger are NFL players: Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson.

But soon the beat drops, and Megan Thee Stallion does her thing. Rapping bars as Kelce, Allen, Henry and Jefferson handle the animal threat. Of course, utilizing their insane power, talent, and football skills; to lock the tiger in a cage. Once contained, it’s time to drink a Pepsi. And then, Megan gives her “blessing” on this year’s NFL kickoff. The end.

Crossovers are always fun. Yet, it would have been nice to see this cast do something new and different. The gladiator thing has already been done. But since this was also because of a movie, we will let it slide.

However, the NFL season is fresh. So we are sure brands will have plenty of new ads coming down the pipeline. To entertain and create new “iconic” moments. Happy NFL season to those who celebrate.

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