Dan Campbell Reacts to Applebee’s Ad, Says ‘There’s More to Come’
On Tuesday, an Applebee’s ad featuring Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell hit the internet and was widely praised for both its overall humor and Campbell’s impressive acting chops. By Wednesday, Campbell had provided his reaction to the ad campaign—and the public’s reaction to the ad.
“I got off the practice field yesterday, and I come in, my phone’s on my desk, I turn it over and I’m like, ‘Oh my god,’ I’m just blow(ing) up,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket. “The first thing you’re thinking is, ‘I hope there’s not a death in the family.’ And then you realize it’s ‘Hey, I’ll have the 50 cent wings’ from a cousin of mine. It’s endless. ‘Hey, nice one, man. Give me one of those wings.’ So you’re just getting picked at. I’m like, ‘Oh god, they dropped the commercial.’”
Campbell admitted he was hesitant to even do the campaign, but encouragement from his wife and daughter was enough to convince him to participate. In pure Dan Campbell form, he wanted to make sure the production crew got its proper shoutout. “The staff and crew that worked with us were unbelievable,” Campbell said. “The actors were awesome, they made it what it is. They were unbelievable. They made me feel comfortable and we just did it.”
When asked if he had experience doing advertisements from when he was a player, Campbell noted that he did a small spot for the Dallas Cowboys back in the day but was coy on the details. Unfortunately for Campbell, the internet was already a few steps ahead of him and found the ad where he briefly cameos.
And if that hasn’t satiated your fix for Campbell commercials, well… good news. “Unfortunately, there’s more to come, I’m afraid,” Campbell said.
The Applebee’s ad not only showcased Campbell’s humor but also his relatable personality, humanizing a head coach often seen only through the veneer of football season rigor. Fans responded enthusiastically, making light-hearted requests for “50 cent wings,” as Campbell’s cousins did.
This experience highlights Campbell’s down-to-earth nature, which has endeared him to both fans of the Detroit Lions and the general public. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone for an ad, coupled with his genuine, humorous reaction, adds another layer to his already multifaceted public persona.
The original Applebee’s ad can be seen here. And if Campbell’s tease is anything to go by, there will be more commercials to look forward to, blending drama, football, and boneless wings.
Campbell’s successful foray into advertising is a small, yet delightful chapter in his tenure with the Lions, illustrating the multifaceted life of an NFL coach and reminding fans that their favorite sports figures have rich, often surprising dimensions.
