Jersey Mike’s Subs is starting the NFL season with a new national advertising campaign that pits two of New Jersey’s most iconic figures against each other: retired football star and Super Bowl champ Eli Manning and actor Danny DeVito. The new commercials, which are a major creative push for the brand, establish a playful “spokesperson rivalry” as Manning joins the brand’s spotlight alongside DeVito who has been a frontman for the brand.
The campaign, which launched this week, is the first of its kind since Jersey Mike’s became the Official Sub Sandwich Sponsor of the NFL in April.
The initial ad features DeVito feeling territorial as Manning, whom he accuses of “stealing” his job, enters the scene. Two more commercials continuing the comedic back-and-forth will debut later this fall, with content also shared across the social media accounts of the brand, DeVito, and Manning.
Senior Vice President of Marketing at Jersey Mike’s, Jeff Hemschoot, praised the new dynamic duo. “Eli’s charm and low-key wit combined with Danny’s big personality make for an unforgettable duo,” he said. “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 was created by the advertising agency Highdive.
Mark Gross, co-founder and co-chief creative officer at Highdive, stated that the campaign was a perfect way to launch the new NFL partnership with “humor, star power, and a little friendly rivalry.” He added, “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.”
