Malik Nabers stars in a humorous new advert from IHOP which pokes fun at his tough football season.
The campaign: After the New York Giants star tore his ACL back in September, it was a devastating blow for both Nabers and for the fans who selected him in their fantasy football drafts. The wide receiver made light of the moment with a new IHOP campaign that leans into the shared misfortune.
Nabers appears on crutches in the advert to explain how “every year, thousands of fantasy football leagues make their last-place team spend 24 hours at IHOP eating pancakes, and IHOP wants to help”, before a waitress interrupts with a laugh: “Just like you helped everyone’s fantasy team this season?” He then introduces the pancake house’s new bottomless option for any last-place finishers. “I wasted my first-round pick on you. Ugh!” a kid digs at Nabers after recognising him.
The context: The New York Giants star played just four games this season before tearing his ACL at MetLife Stadium while facing the Los Angeles Chargers in September. He underwent surgery to repair the tear in his right knee back in October, reportedly performed by Cowboys head team physician Dr Daniel E. Cooper. He began rehabilitation shortly after being discharged from the hospital.
His latest brand endorsement cleverly capitalises on the moment and follows recent partnerships with:
- Nike
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Finish Dishwashing
What’s next? The surgery was deemed successful and Nabers will continue rehab in the recovery months. With ACL injuries generally taking around nine to twelve months to recover, Nabers should be ready for the start of the season next September. The 22-year-old was a standout player before his injury, setting the record for most catches ever by a rookie wide receiver, with 109 passes for 1204 yards and seven touchdowns.