Nike advertisements are known for breaking convention. Its Jordan Brand got its start by violating NBA policy with its banned Air Jordans and defiantly absorbing the reported $5,000-per-game fine imposed on its namesake, Michael Jordan.
The Jordan Brand lived up to expectations — and then some — with a post-Super Bowl ad last night featuring the game’s MVP, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Hurts Speaks With His Skills
Hurts is beloved by Eagles fans, but many outside Philly underplay his strengths and place him outside the NFL’s league of elite quarterbacks, led by his Sunday opponent, Patrick Mahomes.
But Hurts silenced his detractors with his arms and his legs, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities to lead the Eagles to their Super Bowl win last night, evening the score with the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts went 17-22 for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns and led the Eagles with 72 yards rushing — including one for a touchdown.
Hurts not only bested Mahomes, but he also outran the Chiefs, who managed a mere 49 rushing yards.
Minutes after the game ended, Fox aired a Nike Jordan Brand ad that seized the moment to rub it in.
Love, Hurts: Jordan’s Diss Ad for Jalen Haters
The ad paired the soundtrack of Philadelphia’s own Teddy Pendergrass’s “Love T.K.O,” with a clever spoken-word monologue playing on the themes of love, hate, and hurt — and the Eagles’ quarterback’s last name.
Hate that you said he wasn’t a top 10 quarterback,
Hate that you said he couldn’t throw the ball,
Hate that he got over when push came to shove,
Hate that he always say the right thing,
Hate that in your all-knowing armchair wisdom you were sure he would come up short.
Hate that you got it wrong?
The advertisement was as much an ode to Philly as it was to Hurts. It certainly played to the sentiments of Eagles fans. And while it may have rubbed others the wrong way, that’s probably what Nike and the Jordan Brand set out to do. They don’t follow convention after all. Defiance and winning define their brand.
Watch the Jordan Brand Jalen Hurts Ad
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