20 Commercials Featuring Athletes That Are Burned Into Our Memory
These unforgettable commercials featuring sports legends left a lasting impact, blending humor, inspiration, and sheer star power.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
From hilarious endorsements to game-changing ads, athletes have dominated the commercial world just as much as their sports. Whether selling sneakers, cereal, or cars, these ads became pop culture staples, sticking with fans for decades. Here are 20 iconic athlete-driven commercials that we just can’t forget.
1. Michael Jordan & Larry Bird – “Nothing But Net” (McDonald’s, 1993)
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A simple game of HORSE turned into a legendary showdown between two NBA icons. With insane trick shots escalating—“Off the expressway, over the river, off the billboard, nothing but net”—this commercial became an instant classic.
2. Bo Jackson – “Bo Knows” (Nike, 1989)
Amin Eshaiker on Wikimedia Commons
Nike’s campaign showed Bo Jackson excelling at nearly every sport imaginable, from baseball to cycling. Cameos from sports legends, including Wayne Gretzky, made it even more fun.
3. Mean Joe Greene – “Hey Kid, Catch!” (Coca-Cola, 1979)
The Steelers / NFL on Wikimedia Commons
A bruised and tired Mean Joe Greene softens up after a young fan offers him a Coke. In return, he tosses the kid his jersey in a heartwarming moment that’s been parodied endlessly.
4. LeBron James – “The Rise” (Nike, 2010)
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LeBron faced intense criticism for leaving Cleveland, and Nike turned it into an artistic, introspective ad. “What should I do?” he asks repeatedly, questioning his decisions.
5. Tiger Woods – “Ball Juggling” (Nike, 1999)
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Tiger effortlessly juggles a golf ball on his club before smashing it mid-air. It was cool and effortless, and it instantly made every golfer try (and fail) to copy it.
6. Peyton Manning – “Cut That Meat!” (Mastercard, 2006)
Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson on Wikimedia Commons
Few athletes embraced humor like Peyton Manning, and this Mastercard ad proved it. Cheering for everyday people—like a deli worker slicing meat—was ridiculous and hilarious.
7. Shaquille O’Neal – “Icy Hot” (Icy Hot, 2003)
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Shaq’s larger-than-life personality made this otherwise simple pain relief ad stand out. His genuine delivery and humor made people believe in the product.
8. Kobe Bryant – “The Kobe System” (Nike, 2012)
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Kobe’s motivational commercial was a mix of humor, arrogance, and brilliance. He coached everyone from Kanye West to Richard Branson, insisting they go “over the top.”
9. Charles Barkley – “I Am Not a Role Model” (Nike, 1993)
Terri Sewell on Wikimedia Commons
Barkley’s controversial ad challenged the idea that athletes should be role models. “Parents should raise their kids, not me,” he boldly stated.
10. Derek Jeter – “RE2PECT” (Jordan Brand, 2014)
Matt Hecht on Wikimedia Commons
A simple, silent tribute featuring athletes, celebrities, and everyday people tipping their hats to Jeter. Even Red Sox fans showed respect in the ad, which spoke volumes.
11. Usain Bolt – “Lightning Strikes” (Gatorade, 2008)
Samuel Blanck on WIkimedia Commons
Using electrifying effects, Gatorade showcased Bolt’s superhuman speed. The ad made it seem like he was running faster than nature itself.
12. Serena Williams – “Dream Crazier” (Nike, 2019)
Markmcgee on Wikimedia Commons
Serena narrated this empowering ad that highlighted women breaking barriers in sports. It took on gender stereotypes head-on, urging female athletes to “dream crazier.”
13. Brett Favre – “Wrangler Jeans” (Wrangler, 2008)
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Playing backyard football in blue jeans, Favre made this ad effortlessly relatable. It embraced his rugged, everyman appeal.
14. Michael Vick – “Experience” (Nike, 2004)
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This first-person ad let fans “be” Michael Vick, dodging tackles and launching deep passes. The video game-like perspective made it thrilling.
15. Kevin Durant – “You The Real MVP” (Nike, 2014)
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Nike turned Durant’s tearful MVP speech into an emotional commercial. His tribute to his mom—“You the real MVP”—became an internet sensation.
16. Aaron Rodgers – “Discount Double Check” (State Farm, 2011)
Presidio of Monterey on Wikimedia Commons
Rodgers’ touchdown celebration turned into a full-blown insurance campaign. Fans and even his teammates started copying the “Discount Double Check” move.
17. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – “Budweiser Salute” (Budweiser, 2001)
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Andrea Ross on Wikimedia Commons
Budweiser’s heartfelt tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. was simple but powerful. A silent, slow lap in his honor left fans in tears.
18. Patrick Mahomes – “Ketchup Obsession” (Hunt’s, 2018)
U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Michael Crane on Wikimedia Commons
This funny and self-aware commercial focused on Mahomes’ love for ketchup and poked fun at his habit of putting it on everything, from steak to mac and cheese.
19. Simone Biles – “Because She Can” (Uber Eats, 2021)
Ocoudis on Wikimedia Commons
Teaming up with Jonathan Van Ness, Biles showcased both her gymnastic skills and playful humor. The ad cleverly balanced empowerment with lighthearted fun.
20. Wayne Gretzky – “Is It In You?” (Gatorade, 1997)
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A young Gretzky training hard, dripping in sweat, defined Gatorade’s legendary “Is It In You?” campaign. The simplicity of an athlete pushing themselves made it memorable.