Sports Ads That Stick: Why Spots During Football’s Biggest Game Go Viral
Sep 18, 2026 | 4 min read
Tags: Advertising
By Monte Johanning, Midco Senior Production Manager
Every year, people across America gather to watch football’s biggest event. The Big Game brings people together to cheer on their favorite team, eat snacks and, of course, watch and rate the commercials. (That’s me. I’m that guy that tells everyone to be quiet when the commercials are on.)
This is the biggest stage for television advertising. If brands can create viral marketing strategies, they have the potential to get even more views after the game with a viral ad. Brands are investing a lot of dollars for just seconds of attention, but only a handful of commercials truly make successful and good advertisements.
What separates a forgettable spot from one that becomes viral content? It often comes down to a few key themes:
- Emotion
- Relevance
- Humor
- Storytelling
Whether they pull at the heartstrings or make us laugh, the best sports ads can weave a strategic brand story in just 30 seconds.
Below are a few of my favorite sports marketing examples from The Big Game. While they use different ways to get their message across, they are all successful because they share one common thread – they connect to their audience.
Heartfelt Messaging & Brand Purpose
Redfin x Rocket Mortgage – America Needs Neighbors Like You
Why it works:
Connecting with a viewer emotionally is a great way for them to connect to a brand during sporting events. This spot leans into emotion, tapping into the universal values of community, belonging and the idea that home is more than just a place.
Why it stands out:
- They focus on a shared human experience instead of the features of their service.
- Their partnership feels authentic and compassionate.
- They build trust and credibility rather than pushing a hard sell.
Why it stands the test of time:
Emotion drives memory. Viral videos that make people feel something will stay with audiences far beyond game day.
Connect the way you want.
At Midco, we believe emotional storytelling isn’t just for national brands. With advanced audience targeting and creative services, we help businesses of all sizes connect with what matters most to their viewers and deliver it effectively across TV and streaming platforms.
Humor & Pop Cultural Relevance
Amazon Alexa – Alexa+ is Scary Good
Why it works:
This commercial blends humor with pop cultural relevance, tapping into the ongoing conversation around AI while making it an approachable and entertaining ad campaign.
Why it stands out:
- It uses celebrity power effectively without overshadowing the message.
- The ad balances humor with a potentially complex topic.
- It’s fast-paced and visually engaging.
Why it stands the test of time:
It captures a moment in culture, turning fear and uncertainty around AI into acceptance and excitement thanks to a movie star.
Keeping your ads relevant.
Relevance is everything. Midco’s data-driven ad solutions help brands align messaging with what audiences are talking about right now – and ensure it reaches them on the screens they’re watching most.
Emotional Storytelling & Visual Simplicity
Why it works:
The Last Harvest is storytelling at its most powerful – little dialogue, compelling visuals and a message centered on legacy and hard work.
Why it stands out:
- The cinematic quality elevates a simple product.
- It celebrates a well-known brand with authenticity and emotion.
- It uses subtle storytelling instead of in-your-face branding.
Why it stands the test of time:
When a great ad tells a genuine story, it goes beyond the product. It becomes something audiences remember and will want to revisit.
Tell your story.
Not every campaign needs to be loud to make an impact. Midco’s creative production team helps brands craft visually compelling stories that resonate – whether it’s a 30-second spot or a full digital campaign rollout – to create successful advertisements.
Pure Comedy + Unexpected Execution
***All-time Favorite***
Old Milwaukee – Will Ferrell Big Game Ad
Why it works:
When you have one of the biggest comedy stars in your commercial, you want to go all in. Leave it to Will Ferrell to turn a simple beer commercial into something you’re still laughing about 10 minutes later.
Why it stands out:
- It breaks all rules for what a Big Game ad is.
- It relies on strong comedic delivery.
- It plays on expectations to keep you watching.
Why it stands the test of time:
Authentic, slightly offbeat humor sticks. It creates those “you have to see this” moments that drive conversation.
Capture attention without breaking the bank.
You don’t need a national budget to break through – you need a great idea. Midco helps brands develop creative concepts that stand out, paired with strategic media placement to amplify reach, even during The Big Game.
Bringing it all together.
With all these commercials, there are a few clear themes:
- Emotion builds connection.
- Humor drives memorability.
- Relevance keeps ads timely.
- Storytelling creates longevity.
It’s these elements that keep us coming back to those Big Game commercials time and time again – connecting us and giving us something to talk about on Monday morning.
Make the right move for your business.
No matter your goals or your budget, we can show you how to create a good advertisement that's worth remembering. With the right blend of creativity, data and distribution – backed by a team that understands your audience – you can create campaigns that don’t just run, but actually win for you.
Ready to build something memorable? Midco Advertising is here to help.
About Monte Johanning
Monte Johanning manages Midco’s creative team that produces eye-catching, compelling advertising messages for digital and TV advertising media for Midwest businesses. Prior to joining Midco in 2013, Johanning managed creative teams at global LED board provider Daktronics – and he also has more than 30 years of TV production and creative experience for various businesses and TV markets around the country.