Progressive Insurance is doubling down on its NFL tie-in, rolling out season two of its “The Backup” campaign — proof that sometimes in football, and in life, you need a pro to step in when things don’t go according to plan.
Created by Arnold Worldwide, the new campaign enlists a fresh roster of current NFL backup quarterbacks: Tommy DeVito, Teddy Bridgewater, Mitch Trubisky, and Tyler Huntley. Each QB headlines their own spot, showing how Progressive coverage is the ultimate “backup” when life throws a blitz.
The first commercial, debuting during FOX’s broadcast of the Ohio State vs. Texas game this Saturday, features DeVito stepping in with charm to save a family photo shoot. Watch below:
“Nothing is more off-putting to a football fan than a spot about football that doesn’t know or understand football. One of the things I love so much about our Backup campaign is how true to the football experience the construct is. The optimism you feel when your backup QB comes in to provide a spark when the starter just doesn’t have it—it’s a truism that all football fans feel and understand,” said Sean McBride, Chief Creative Officer of Arnold.
The campaign’s first iteration in 2023 featured Case Keenum, Josh Dobbs, Colt McCoy, and Jacoby Brissett, setting the stage for this year’s bigger lineup. With season two, Progressive continues to blend gridiron authenticity with everyday relatability — reminding fans that whether it’s on the field or off, the right backup can make all the difference.
Additional spots will roll out throughout the 18-week NFL season across OLV, streaming, social, and digital.
CREDITS
BRAND: Progressive Insurance
AGENCY: Arnold Worldwide
- Chief Creative Officer: Sean McBride
- Chief Client Officer: Val Bettini
- SVP, Group Creative Directors: Gregg Nelson, Mike Sullivan
- Assoc. Creative Director: Allison Apperson
- Assoc. Creative Director: Matt Bottkol
- Executive Producer: Pat Carney
- Director, Marketing: Andrew Arnot
- SVP, Marketing Director: Alex McSweeney
- Senior Marketing Manager: Emily Neal
- Project Manager: Samantha Trythall
- SVP, Head of Business Affairs: Lisa Belden Colucci
- Business Affairs Manager: Carolan Kelley
PRODUCTION COMPANY: O Positive
Director: Kenny Herzog
Line Producer: Megan Miller
EDIT: Cosmo Street Editorial
- Editor: Aaron Langley
- Assistant Editor: Jared Zygarlicke
- Post Producer: Colby Eaton
Color: The Color Refinery
Colorist: Rob Bessette
VFX: Zero VFX
SOUND DESIGN: Soundtrack Group
Sound Designer: Mike Secher
MUSIC: Singing Serpent
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