“People said I don’t look like your average football player,” says Arch Manning, tossing a ball while sporting glasses in a new commercial for Warby Parker.
The playful spot kicks off a three-year partnership between the eyewear brand and the Texas Longhorns quarterback. Manning, who has worn glasses since age three—and Warby Parker since middle school—has long relied on prescription eyewear.
The ad features an archive photo album of Manning as a child in glasses, including snapshots of him wearing them inside his football helmet. His father, Cooper Manning, host of The Manning Hour for Fox Sports, also makes an appearance, joking that his son “had more of an accountant look.” Watch below:
Lev Pakman, a filmmaker on the roster of Merman, the global commercial and entertainment company behind the production, directed the campaign. Known for his comedy-driven commercial work, Pakman has helmed spots for GEICO, Samsung, Kraft Heinz, T-Mobile, Nathan’s Famous, The Glenlivet, Ajinomoto, and Captain Morgan. His credits also include ESPN’s famous Monday Night Football: C’MON MAN campaign, as well as directing pro golfer Maverick McNealy in an AT&T Business short doc for Callaway Golf.
The Warby Parker content featuring Manning and his father debuted this past weekend during the Longhorns’ season opener, also Arch’s first game as the starting quarterback. Over the next three years, the partnership will introduce new eyewear collections, support local Austin initiatives through Warby Parker’s school-based Pupils Project, and more.
“As someone who spent their entire life wearing glasses, teaming up with Warby Parker felt like a very natural fit,” said Manning. “They’ve always been my go-to glasses, I have a pair for every part of my life—and their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program really resonates with me.”
“Arch is an exceptional athlete whose great vision extends beyond the field,” added Warby Parker co-founder and co-CEO Neil Blumenthal. “He’s been a customer for years, and now we’re excited to have him on our team officially. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”
CREDITS:
BRAND: Warby Parker
- Huntley Rodes, VP Brand Marketing
- Jacqueline Waterer, Sr. Brand Marketing Manager
- Sarah Veurink, Brand Marketing Specialist
AGENCY: Warby Parker
- Alison Riley, Creative Director
- Ben Gable, Director of Copy
- Sarah Olin, Senior Art Director
- Nicole Mills, Director of Social
- Pietro Clemente, Executive Producer
PRODUCTION COMPANY: MERMAN BRANDED
- Lev Pakman, Director
- Ellen Clarke, Global Managing Partner
- Jessica Miller, Executive Producer
- Cathleen Sutherland, Producer
- Shane Kelly, Director of Photography
EDIT: Good Look
Charlie Porter, Editor
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