Christian McCaffrey Is NFL’s Biggest Advertising Star in Week 1

Christian McCaffrey didn’t see the field in Week 1, but he still got plenty of screen time.

The 49ers running back starred in the most commercials of any current or former player or coach aired during nationally broadcast games in Week 1, according to data provided to Front Office Sports by EDO, which tracks TV ad performance.

McCaffrey was the only player to be featured in three separate ads that ran in Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football. Three companies featured McCaffrey in one commercial each: Lowe’s, Uber Eats, and Visa. McCaffrey’s appearances were bolstered by strong viewership numbers throughout the weekend.

The reigning NFL offensive player of the year is no stranger to ad stardom. He’s starred in spots for companies including Xfinity, Gillette, and Amazon. But for all his success during commercial breaks, he’s yet to play a down. He sat out of Monday night’s game against the Jets with a calf and Achilles injury, and he was limited in practice Wednesday.

McCaffrey’s ad with Lowe’s also included Gold Zone host Scott Hanson and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who was featured in a number of commercials last season for companies including Pfizer, Campbell’s, State Farm, Subway, and DirecTV.

Kelce was also featured in the gladiator-style Pepsi commercial with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Ravens running back Derrick Henry, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

Other current and former players and coaches shown in two ads included Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell.

Other active players featured once in an ad include 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, 49ers tight end George Kittle, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams. 

Former players featured in one ad include Marshawn Lynch, Jason Kelce, Eli Manning, Dan Orlovsky, Deion Sanders, and Rob Gronkowski. A commercial for Frito-Lay, which debuted last season, landed the star-studded cast of Dan Marino, Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Emmitt Smith.