Russell Wilson Super Bowl commercial focuses on the power of pursuing and achieving your dreams
American Family Insurance commercial to appear in select local media markets and is the only spot featuring the iconic quarterback
(Jan. 28, 2014) - Leading the Seattle Seahawks into the Super Bowl in his second year in the NFL, Russell Wilson will inspire others to pursue their dreams in his only commercial appearance during the big game on Feb. 2.
The ad for American Family Insurance debuts in targeted markets on game day and features Wilson walking from a stadium tunnel onto the playing field while reflecting on what it takes to pursue and achieve your dream.
Wilson was determined to play football on the collegiate and professional levels. According to CBS News, only six percent of high school seniors go on to play college ball. Of those, only 1.7 percent of senior football players in college will get drafted by a National Football League team.
Wilson’s unyielding commitment, focus and leadership skills helped him to achieve both those dreams. He played for North Carolina State University and later for the University of Wisconsin, leading the Badgers to a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth. While at Wisconsin, Wilson became familiar with American Family and the company’s philosophies and philanthropic efforts. Wilson was the 12th pick in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
“Pursuing your dreams is never easy,” said Telisa Yancy, American Family’s vice president of marketing. “Russell Wilson’s commitment to his goals, both on and off the field, is an inspiration for all dreamers. We believe he personifies what our company stands for and we are honored to tell his story in a way that encourages others.”
According to Myles Romero, American Family’s advertising director, the company is being very strategic about their advertising investment.
“By running the ad in select markets where we do business, we can make our investment go much further,” said Myles. “This approach costs significantly less, while still allowing us to reach millions of viewers. We’ll also draw on social media to continue the conversation, using the hashtag #longlivedreams in Twitter and Facebook posts. The company will also release advance clips of the commercial via social media.”
The ad is part of American Family’s Dream Ambassadors program of which Wilson is an integral part along with Kathy Ireland, Phillip Phillips, Steve Stricker and Olympian Jessie Vetter.
Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, health insurance, business and farm/ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family insurance is the nation’s third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 393rd on the Fortune 500 list. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam; YouTube: www.youtube.com/amfam.
News media contact:
Sandra Spann
American Family Insurance
608) 242-4100, ext. 32881