The SONIC Smasher stars in drama-packed, flavor-fueled commercials featuring SEC football players.
There’s a new quarterback in town – and it’s delicious. This fall, SONIC is flipping the script on football season with the launch of its new commercial campaign, “Where Football Goes to Burger,” starring the QB1 of cheeseburgers, the SONIC Smasher™, cameos from real SEC college football players, and a helping hand from actor and comedian Terry Crews.
The Smasher Takes the Field
Designed to feel like a high-school drama and set on a SONIC® lot where thousands of fans across the nation gather on Friday nights after football games, the commercials blend the flavor and energy of SONIC with one of America’s biggest passions – football – to celebrate what happens when fans come together over burgers, not just big plays.
Earlier this year, SONIC declared the SONIC Smasher the Smashional Burger of America™. Now, the SONIC Smasher is back as the “Smashional Burger of Football,” taking center stage as the star in this new, light-hearted set of commercials. Drama, rivalries and burger-fueled antics unfold with the SONIC Smasher as QB1: Quarter-Burger-One. In each commercial spot, fans will see the SONIC Smasher giving “main character energy” at every moment, from locker room tensions and game-day rivalries to post-game celebrations.
The first two spots will be released just in time for SEC (Southeastern Conference) college football opening weekend:
Terry Crews’ School of Acting for Athletes
As the “Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC,” SONIC wanted real SEC players in the “Where Football Goes to Burger” commercials who would be recognizable to fans, though athletes are notoriously known for giving sub-par performances when acting in a branded spot for the first time. That’s why SONIC enlisted the help of actor, comedian and former NFL star Terry Crews to coach the campaign cast for the brand’s first-ever TV commercials featuring NIL athletes. With his guidance on commercial acting, the lineup of college football players is ready to step into the spotlight: Marcel Reed (Texas A&M starting quarterback), Rueben Owens (Texas A&M running back ), Colin Simmons (University of Texas at Austin edge), Michael Taaffe (University of Texas at Austin defensive back) and Ryan Wingo (University of Texas at Austin wide receiver). These five college athletes will make appearances across the “Where Football Goes to Burger” commercial spots.
The SONIC “Where Football Goes to Burger” commercials were developed in partnership with SONIC’s creative agency of record, Mother Los Angeles, and will run during select sports programming this season. Fans can visit their local SONIC to experience the SONIC Smasher for themselves.
