February is advertising’s biggest month, thanks to the Super Bowl spotlight, and this year’s ads lineup didn’t disappoint. From NFL’s empowering “Somebody” and its Flag Football showcase to Lay’s charming “Little Farmer”, brands brought emotion, humor, and cultural relevance to the forefront.
Uber Eats’ “A Century of Cravings” played with absurdity, while Brand Jordan’s “Love Hurts” delivered a raw, poetic take on the sacrifices of greatness.
Whether they made us cheer, laugh, or tear up, these ads left a mark. Let’s break down February’s best brand storytelling.
The NFL Helps Kids Realize They Are Somebody
What a remarkable spot this was—especially in the context of our current climate. Created by 72andSunny, Demario Davis, Arik Armstead, and Adam Thielen teamed up with kids across New Orleans, not just to play, but to pave the way. It was more than just football—it highlighted the NFL’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the next generation and creating a real impact beyond the game.
A Budweiser Clydesdale Makes Its First Delivery
First Delivery began at the Budweiser Brewery, where the Clydesdale hitch was prepared for delivery. A young foal watched as the hitchdriver told him he wasn’t ready to join the team just yet.
Whether viewed through the lens of tradition or as a story of youthful determination, First Delivery served as a powerful reminder of Budweiser’s unwavering commitment to its fans and its enduring message of resilience and connection.
NFL Promotes Female Flag Football
The NFL took viewers on a nostalgic trip to the 1980s in its Super Bowl ad, NFL Flag 50, which championed girls’ flag football and challenged outdated gender stereotypes. The two-minute commercial, created by 72andSunny, showcased a fictional high school, where a determined girl defied expectations to build her own flag football team.
Matthew McConaughey Uncovers Uber Eats/NFL Conspiracy
For its Super Bowl appearance, Uber Eats served up a wild conspiracy theory courtesy of Matthew McConaughey—one that suggests football was invented to sell food. In the spot, McConaughey embarked on a comical time-traveling journey, reimagining key moments in football history through a food-focused lens.
The Eagles Won The Super Bowl and Love… Hurts
Nike has always been best when the brand is topical. Set to the smooth, unmistakable vocals of Philly legend Teddy Pendergrass’ Love T.K.O., the ad masterfully intertwined Jalen Hurts’ electrifying 2024 Super Bowl highlights with a pointed, poetic narrative.
Not Only Was LAY’s Farmer Little. She Was Cute As A Button
LAY’S “The Little Farmer” was a heartfelt story about a young potato farmer, which continued the brand’s tradition of emotional storytelling.
American Family insurance assembles with Captain America
American Family Insurance teamed up with Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World to highlight a shared mission: protection. The collaboration drew a powerful connection between American Family Insurance’s Red Roofline and Captain America’s iconic shield, both symbols of trust and security. At the heart of the campaign was a 45-second cinema spot featuring Anthony Mackie as Captain America in an action-packed sequence that ends at a family’s home.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
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