Jersey Mike’s is kicking off football season with a new star in its lineup: Eli Manning. The two-time Super Bowl champ and longtime New Jersey resident has officially joined the sandwich brand as its latest spokesperson. But there’s a twist—the retired Giants quarterback is now sharing the spotlight with Danny DeVito, the beloved actor who’s been the face (and voice) of Jersey Mike’s for years.
The new campaign, launching nationwide today, plays on that rivalry. In the first spot, DeVito bristles at Manning “stealing” his job, setting up a series of playful back-and-forths between the two Jersey icons. Two more commercials will roll out this fall, with plenty of extra content hitting Jersey Mike’s social channels—as well as Manning and DeVito’s own. Watch below:
“Eli’s charm and low-key wit combined with Danny’s big personality make for an unforgettable duo,” said Jeff Hemschoot, senior vice president of marketing, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “As a proud New Jersey resident and longtime Jersey Mike’s fan, Eli was a natural fit. He’s one of Jersey’s most iconic sports figures and we’re thrilled to have him on our team.”
The campaign also marks Jersey Mike’s first major creative push since signing on as the Official Sub Sandwich Sponsor of the NFL earlier this year. That partnership is fueling the brand’s growing footprint in both sports and pop culture.
“This campaign was the perfect way to kick off Jersey Mike’s new NFL partnership—with humor, star power, and a little friendly rivalry,” noted Mark Gross, co-founder and co-chief creative officer at Highdive, the agency behind the work. “We leaned into Danny’s longtime role with the brand and had fun imagining what happens when someone like Eli tries to steal a little of his spotlight.”
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