Who is the football player in the Fansville commercial?
Unmasking the gridiron star behind Dr Pepper’s Fansville campaign and what his debut signals for college football advertising
(By Carmichael Phillip)
For years, Dr Pepper’s satirical “Fansville” campaign has leaned on college football legends to fuel its quirky, episodic universe. Brian “The Boz” Bosworth plays the town’s Sheriff, Eddie George appears as the Doctor, and Les Miles portrays the friendly convenience-store clerk. These veteran stars set the stage for the campaign’s recent pivot to include active collegiate athletes.
In Season 7 of “Fansville,” Dr Pepper introduced Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers to the cast—playing a new role as a sheriff’s deputy. His debut came in the episode “Into the Great Unknown,” and he continues in “Call for Backup” alongside Bosworth’s Sheriff. Fans and media alike took notice of this blending of real-life college stars into the campaign’s fictional town.
Since the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights in 2021, college athletes can get paid for promotions—making campaigns like Fansville a natural fit. Dr Pepper tapped DJ Uiagalelei (2021) and Bryce Young (2022) before bringing in Quinn Ewers in 2024. This shift brings current stars into the mix, giving the campaign both cultural relevance and high-profile name value.
Quinn Ewers is the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, known for leading his team to their first College Football Playoff appearance during the 2023 season. In Fansville, he portrays Deputy Ewers—a fresh face in a town built on college football obsession, set against satire and small-town Americana.
Want to see Deputy Ewers in action? The new Fansville commercial featuring Quinn Ewers is available online. Catch Season 7’s “Into the Great Unknown” spot on YouTube:
Fans welcomed the blend of nostalgia with fresh talent. Ewers’ inclusion adds star wattage and new storylines to the long-running campaign. His casting also highlights how NIL deals create opportunities for current athletes to step into pop culture moments—beyond the field.
Bringing in active athletes signals that Fansville is evolving. Legacy figures like Bosworth anchored the brand; now, athletes like Ewers allow Dr Pepper to remain culturally timely. It aligns with emerging trends: brands tapping into NIL opportunities to fuse sports marketing with narrative-driven content.
In summary: The football player in the Fansville commercial is Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns quarterback, playing the role of Deputy in Fansville Season 7. His debut marks a strategic move by Dr Pepper to blend nostalgia and current college sports stars in their long-running episodic campaign.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.