American Family Insurance has created a new campaign especially meant to celebrate one of the greatest Yankees to ever play the game, Derek Jeter.
ESPN is currently airing the seven-part documentary series The Captain, which provides a portrait of Jeter’s life and career on and off the baseball field.
American Family Insurance is one of the associate sponsors of the documentary. Since 2016, American Family has partnered with Derek Jeter, with Jeter serving as a brand ambassador in his commitment to protecting the pursuit of dreams and empowering the community.
As part of its sponsorship, American Family is airing a series of commemorative spots that depict Jeter traveling back in time to thank many of the important people in his life who helped him achieve his baseball dreams.
The campaign is called “Grati2ude” and, as Jeter remarks at the end of each film, “With the right support, any dream is possible.”
The films were created by American Family’s multicultural agency, Elite Media, in collaboration with ESPN’s Creative Works. According to Elite Media President Chris Crawford, “The custom content authentically complements the documentary.
The footage feels like a flashback, as though we’ve returned in time with Derek as he celebrates those who protected his possibility. We’re excited to allow this glimpse inside the heart of a fearless dreamer–and the village who made it all possible.” Watch below:
REELated:
This isn’t the first time that American Family has paid tribute to Derek Jeter. In August 2021, the company created and aired a special tribute spot, celebrating Jeter’s induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
As Sherina Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of American Family Insurance, has said, “We hope our ongoing partnership with Derek Jeter will continue to serve as a testament to the fact that with the right support, any dream is possible. His commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of dreamers is an inspiring story to all.”
CREDITS:
CLIENT: American Family Insurance
- Elicia Azali, Enterprise Chief Marketing Officer
- Sherina Smith, Chief Marketing Officer
- Ann X Poulose, Director of Media and Audience Engagement
- Lindsey Maier, Marketing Consultant
- Scott Von Rueden, Media Manager
- Tracy Siemion, Marketing Consultant
- John Valadez, Marketing Manager
AGENCY: Elite Media
- Christopher Crawford, Chief Creative Officer
- Jindai Joseph, Creative Lead
- Mo Alsadi, Art Director
- Jackie Crockwell, Project Coordinator
- JD Williams, Executive Producer
- Steve Centrillo, Engagement Director
- Charles Wiggins Hall, Account Director
PRODUCTION: ESPN Creative Works
- Jamie Overkamp, Creative Director
- Kim Salatino, Associate Creative Director
- Ira Fritz, Associate Creative Director
- Kyle Wright, Senior Director Agency Production
- Karen Frank, Producer
- Jeremy Anderson, Post Production Content Producer
- Colin Ryan, Senior Manager Client Activation
- Carrie Brzezinski Hsu, VP ESPN Creative Studio
- Anthony Nelson, VP Agency Production
- Jay Marrotte, VP Creative Development & Ad Integration
- Leigh Ciffone, Business Operations Manager
MEDIA AGENCY: Publicis Media
- Jon Jarog, SVP Media Director
- Adrian Sutherland VP, Publicis Sport & Entertainment
- Megan Garcia, Associate Director
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