FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/28/18
NFL Debuts 2018 Pro Bowl Commercial Highlighting Players’ Civic Off-field Efforts
The NFL today unveiled a new TV commercial that highlights the many ways in which players are strengthening their communities and championing causes that are close to their hearts. The 30 second spot, narrated by Academy Award winner FOREST WHITAKER, will debut during halftime of the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl, and continue to air on NFL Network and during Super Bowl pregame coverage on NBC.
The spot drives home a message of hope by highlighting players’ efforts across a wide range of league-supported causes and initiatives, including: • Houston Texans defensive end J.J. WATT, who raised more than $37 million in support of Hurricane Harvey relief programs; • Philadelphia Eagles players MALCOLM JENKINS, CHRIS LONG and TORREY SMITH and their social justice-related efforts around police/community relations, criminal justice reform and education and economic advancement for low-income communities, primarily communities of color; • Tennessee Titans tight end DELANIE WALKER’s USO tour as part of the NFL’s Salute to Service platform; • Seattle Seahawks quarterback RUSSELL WILSON’s weekly visits to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, often accompanied by his wife and recording artist, CIARA. • Saints defensive end CAMERON JORDAN spending the day with children at a school in New Orleans; and • Baltimore Ravens tight end BENJAMIN WATSON speaking at Liberty University on racial equality
“Our ability to make an impact doesn’t end the same day as our playing career does,” said NFL Legend WARRICK DUNN, who appears in the spot helping a family move into their new home. “Thousands of NFL players continue to work and inspire others to do the same in their communities. I enjoy being in this group because it extends my ability to learn and grow as I mature outside of football.”
“We are extremely proud of our players’ dedication to their communities, from hospital visits to USO trips to making a difference in underserved neighborhoods,” said NFL Chief Marketing Officer DAWN HUDSON. “This new spot reflects the ongoing partnership with our players to making a difference in neighborhoods across the country, and we will continue to work together to shine a light on these important causes.”
The commercial comes on the heels of a range of announcements by the NFL about its collaboration with the Players Coalition around social justice, including a newly formed working
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committee of owners and players to oversee and co-develop community-based initiatives in partnership with the league.
The Pro Bowl will be televised live from Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on Sunday, January 28 at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ABC. Additional information on the game and Pro Bowl Week festivities is available at ProBowl.com.
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Media Contacts: Kamran Mumtaz (212) 450-2631 [email protected]
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