What football player is in the Duracell commercial actor?
Inside the surprising crossover between the gridiron and the screen
(By Carmichael Phillip)
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Duracell | What football player is in the Duracell commercial actor?
Summary
The Duracell commercial features NFL legend Tom Brady alongside former football player‑turned‑actor Laith Wallschleger.
In the Super Bowl 2025 spot, Brady appears as a broadcaster who runs out of power and is “recharged” by Wallschleger’s character — the Duracell Scientist — highlighting Duracell’s “Built Different” batteries in a humorous and memorable way.
Duracell’s Surprising Athlete Reveal

In a bold and game-changing move during the Duracell Super Bowl ad of 2025, a well-known former NFL superstar trades in his jersey for a lab coat. You read that right: Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback, stars in the Super Bowl‑spot. But the real buzz surrounds the stylish actor playing the “Duracell Scientist” alongside him—Laith Wallschleger—a former football player who has made a leap into acting.
Quick Facts: Tom Brady & Laith Wallschleger (Duracell Commercial)
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Commercial Brand: Duracell (2025 Super Bowl “Built Different” campaign)
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Featured NFL Star: Tom Brady — former New England Patriots & Buccaneers quarterback, now broadcaster in the ad.
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Co‑Star/Actor: Laith Wallschleger — plays the “Duracell Scientist” who energizes Brady with fresh batteries.
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Wallschleger Background: Former football player who attended NFL preseason with the Arizona Cardinals and played for the Jacksonville Sharks in the Arena Football League before transitioning into acting.
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Campaign Message: Duracell batteries offer superior power and reliability — “Built Different.”
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Air Date: Aired during Super Bowl LIX (2025) with national visibility

From End Zone to Casting Call: Laith Wallschleger’s Journey

Once a vibrant athlete on the field, Wallschleger brings more than looks to the screen—he brings authenticity. Before stepping into this Duracell role, he had a stint with the Arizona Cardinals in NFL preseason, followed by time with the Jacksonville Sharks in the Arena. In the commercial, he plays a suave scientist who energizes Tom Brady with Duracell batteries—melding brains, brawn, and charisma in a memorable Super Bowl moment.
Behind the Science: The New Duracell Icon

Duracell’s foray into the Super Bowl ad space introduced a brand-new character: the Duracell Scientist—the face of their “Built Different” campaign. Crafted by VaynerMedia, the Scientist debuted national visibility for the first time during Super Bowl 59. The ad cleverly pairs scientific precision with high-octane sports performance, epitomized by Wallschleger’s magnetic portrayal beside Brady.
A Brief Look at Wallschleger’s Athletic Background

Before he charmed audiences on the Big Game stage, Laith Wallschleger’s path was all football. After training with the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL preseason, he played for the Jacksonville Sharks in the Arena Football League—grinding in a lesser‑known but fiercely competitive arena. His transition into acting reflects a growing trend of athletes bringing their performance skills into entertainment—a blend of discipline, physicality, and showmanship.
Why It Matters: Athlete‑Actors in Advertising

The use of real athletes—or athlete-turned-actors—in brand storytelling adds a powerful layer of credibility. Consumers associate them with discipline, strength, and performance. By casting Wallschleger—a genuine former football player—in the role of a scientist, Duracell subtly bridges physical endurance with scientific reliability. It’s a clever twist on athlete endorsements, flipped with intelligence and charm.
Other Notable Football Stars in Duracell Ads

Long before Wallschleger’s appearance, Duracell tapped the inspiring story of Derrick Coleman, the first legally deaf offensive player in the NFL, for a poignant commercial in 2014. That ad focused on Coleman charging into a stadium—not with soaring athleticism, but with sheer determination and quiet power—making Duracell synonymous with perseverance. These ads show how the brand layers meaning: sometimes through grit, other times through charm—and in Wallschleger’s case, both.
FAQ: Tom Brady & Laith Wallschleger in the Duracell Commercial
Who is the football player in the Duracell commercial?
The football player featured in the Duracell Super Bowl commercial is Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback.
Who plays the scientist in the Duracell ad with Tom Brady?
The scientist character in the Duracell commercial is Laith Wallschleger, a former football player who has transitioned into acting.
What is the Duracell commercial with Tom Brady about?
The commercial shows Tom Brady losing power during a broadcast segment and being “recharged” by the Duracell Scientist — played by Laith Wallschleger — underscoring Duracell’s battery performance.
Was the Duracell commercial aired during the Super Bowl?
Yes — the Duracell “Built Different” commercial featuring Tom Brady and Laith Wallschleger aired during Super Bowl LIX in 2025.
Is Laith Wallschleger a real football player?
Yes. Laith Wallschleger played college football at the University of Delaware and went on to participate in NFL preseason with the Arizona Cardinals and play for the Jacksonville Sharks in the Arena Football League before acting.
Why did Duracell use athletes in this commercial?
Duracell uses recognizable athletes like Tom Brady and athletic‑turned‑actors like Laith Wallschleger because their credibility, energy, and performance help reinforce the brand’s message of endurance, reliability, and “built different” power.
Summary Wrap-Up
In the 2025 Duracell Super Bowl commercial:
Tom Brady is the star quarterback.
Laith Wallschleger, a former football player with experience in both the NFL preseason and the Arena Football League, plays the “Duracell Scientist,” blending athletic credibility with actor charisma.
The campaign marks the debut of Duracell’s first spokesperson in over three decades, the Duracell Scientist, under the “Built Different” tagline.
This follows Duracell’s earlier emotionally resonant commercial featuring Derrick Coleman, showcasing strength beyond hearing—a testament to the brand’s values.
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