Coach by Day, Star by Night: Dan Campbell Returns to Applebee’s Spotlight
As the start of the 2024 NFL season got close, a surprising new venture for Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell came to light. He appeared in not one but two Applebee's ads, showing himself to have some legit acting chops.
Between the release of the two ads last year, while acknowledging there was "more to come", Campbell confessed his hesitance to become a pitch man.
"Look, this was something I’ve been reluctant (to do)", Campbell said. "My wife and my daughter are constantly like, ‘You got to do it. You ought to do it. Do this. Do this.’ So, they talked me into the Applebee’s deal, and I said, ‘All right, we’ll do it.’"
As a reminder, here are the two Applebee's ads Campbell was in last year.
Dan Campbell takes another star turn in brand-new Applebeee's ads
Some social media photos, including one from Campbell's wife Holly, have surfaced suggesting the Lions' head coach has been filming new Applebee's ads this summer. On Monday morning, the restaurant chain released two new ads featuring Campbell in the black uniform of a shift manager with his headset.
An ad promoting Applebee's "Ultimate Trio", where customers can mix-and-match three appetizers with several sauce options in "over 80,000" possible combinations, features Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Campbell is holding a play-call sheet and declares "All right, Jeanty. Time to learn the option play.”
As he goes through all the appetizer options, Campbell shows a nice acting touch with the way he said "riblets."
According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, Campbell filmed the new ads locally at the Applebee's location in Howell, Michigan.
Since he was such a hit in their preseason ads last year, it was a no-brainer for Applebee's to bring Campbell back this year.
"Bringing Coach Campbell back for Year 2 of our NFL partnership was a no-brainer," John Peyton, Applebee's president and Dine Brands CEO, told ESPN. "Not only does Dan continue to impress with his acting chops, but he brings an infectious charisma that raises the morale of any room he walks into."
"There's a reason why he's connected so well with both Applebee's and NFL fans."
Campbell spoke to the media before Monday's practice, and he was asked to evaluate his acting ability compared to last year.
"I don't wanna watch, I don't wanna see it", said a grinning Campbell. "Listen, it was fun. I told Holly when I was done, boy, that didn't feel good...I felt like last year was better."
Unsurprisingly, Campbell is a reluctant actor/pitch man. But given how well the Applebee's ads have been received, it's worth wondering if he'll get more national opportunities--and if he'll take them.
