Which Retired Football Players Are in Commercials?

Which Retired Football Players Are in Commercials?

*      “From the Gridiron to the Spotlight: NFL Legends Who Became Brand Icons”

(By Carmichael Phillip)

Here’s a video highlighting one of the best-known spots:

In recent years, these retired football stars have shown up in campaigns for snack brands, insurance companies, beer, soda — you name it. Let’s dive into some of the most notable retired NFL players who have appeared in commercials, the campaigns they’ve joined, and why their presence still matters.

In that commercial, Marino shares the screen with other NFL greats like Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, and Randy Moss, all joking about returning to the field.

The spot uses humor — Marino squints at his “play-call” wristband and needs reading glasses — to emphasize how much things have changed since their playing days.

According to DIRECTV Insider, Marino’s long commercial career dates back decades — he even did Isotoner glove ads during the 1990s.

His presence in the “Unretirement” campaign underscores how brands leverage his legacy and familiarity to spark nostalgia and humor.

His role isn’t just a cameo — the ad plays on the physical toll of age. In one scene, he falls asleep on a bench, humorously suggesting that “unretiring” isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Beyond that, DIRECTV Insider notes that Smith has been in commercials for Bud Light and even for a Texas casino.

His off-field charisma and reputation as a workhorse running back make him a powerful and likable spokesperson.

The commercial capitalizes on the idea that these legends might fire up their careers again — but not without a few jokes about age.

Jerry Rice’s legacy, both as a player and in pop culture, gives weight to any ad. When he’s involved, it’s not just about selling chips or soda — it’s about celebrating football history, and the irony of “unretiring” when everyone knows how dominant he once was.

In the ad, he’s one of the legendary players who talks about suit­ing up again for a nostalgic “back to football” fantasy.
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Moss represents a different era of the NFL: one that was very fast, very flashy, and very marketable. Including him gives the commercial a sense of star power and high-octane legacy.

In the advertisement, Brady lounges poolside with former teammate Julian Edelman, delivering the punchline: “Unretirement? Who’d be dumb enough to do that?”

Brady’s presence in the ad is part of a broader strategy: he’s leaned into his retirement with several high-profile endorsements. DIRECTV Insider reports his work in ads for Rocket Mortgage, Under Armour, Subway, and even beauty and sleep brands.

By using Brady — arguably the most marketable NFL player of his generation — in this campaign, PepsiCo connects its snack brands (Doritos, Lay’s) and beverages (Pepsi Zero Sugar) with premium football credibility and humor.

In the spot, Greene limps off the field after a game. A young boy offers him a Coke, and after a moment of hesitation, Greene accepts — then tosses his jersey to the boy, saying, “Hey kid … catch.”

That simple gesture transformed Greene’s public image, showing a softer, more human side of the tough defensive lineman.

Over the decades, “Hey Kid, Catch!” has become one of the most beloved and frequently referenced Super Bowl ads of all time.

Greene’s involvement gave the campaign unforgettable impact, and his legacy in advertising arguably lives as strongly as his football legacy.

According to his biography, he appeared in national ads for brands like Radio Shack, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Honda, Chevrolet, and more.

Long’s transition wasn’t just about one or two spots — he became a staple in the ad world, leveraging his tough-but-reliable image. For him, commercials allowed a continuation of his public persona as a recognizable, authoritative figure, long after his playing days ended.

Brian Urlacher: The former Bears linebacker appeared in commercials for McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Nike, Old Spice, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, and more.

Mike Ditka: Although more famous as a coach, Ditka played tight end and later appeared in commercials, including for Montgomery Ward and a soda brand called “Big Shot.”

Bubba Smith: After his NFL career, Bubba Smith became an actor and commercial pitchman, notably doing Miller Lite ads alongside Dick Butkus.

These retired athletes show that the path from the field to the screen is well-trodden — for some, ad campaigns become a second career.

Authenticity & Legacy
Using Hall of Famers like Rice, Marino, or Greene gives brands a sense of credibility and history. These players represent excellence, and their presence validates a campaign.

Cross‑Generational Appeal
Retired athletes appeal to a wide demographic — older fans remember them playing, younger viewers know them from legacy and highlight reels, and even non-football fans recognize the big names.

Storytelling Power
Many commercial campaigns play on nostalgia, playing with themes like “what if you came back?” (see Pepsi’s “Unretirement”). That emotional hook is powerful for marketers.

Relatable Personas
Retired players often bring humor, humility, or self-awareness to their spots. They are no longer just athletes — they’re cultural touchstones who can joke about aging, retirement, and legacy.

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The Impact of These Ads on Their Brand & Ours
When retired NFL legends appear in commercials, it does more than sell a product — it enhances their brand, reinforces their legacy, and inspires fans. For the players, these commercials keep them in the public eye and allow them to monetize their fame long after retirement. For brands, it’s a shortcut to built-in audience, instant credibility, and emotional resonance.

Campaigns like PepsiCo’s 2023 “Unretirement” don’t just sell chips or soda; they tap into the shared memory of watching those players dominate on the field. They remind us of greatness, aging, and the funny idea of going “back to the game” — even if just for marketing.

Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, and Randy Moss recently reunited (in spirit) for PepsiCo’s “Unretirement” campaign.

Tom Brady made a cameo in the same ad, poking fun at leaving the game for good.

Going back further, Mean Joe Greene’s Coca-Cola “Hey Kid, Catch!” spot remains an advertising legend, decades after his playing career ended.

And players like Howie Long, Brian Urlacher, Mike Ditka, and Bubba Smith remind us that commercial work is a long-play for many NFL alumni.

These commercials do more than endorse products — they celebrate history, nostalgia, and identity. They let us see former warriors of the gridiron in a new light, reminding us that while their playing days may be over, their influence still sells.

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