Terrell Owens to Endorse Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger in New Marketing Agreement

Former Philadelphia pro wide receiver Terrell Owens has announced a marketing partnership with fast-food restaurant Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s to endorse their Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger – the chains’ tribute to, and twist on, Philadelphia’s classic cheesesteak sandwich in a new ad campaign.

Premiering later this month, the humorous new spot titled “Philly Love” will follow Owens down memory lane as he lightheartedly reflects on his hot-and-cold relationship with the City of Brotherly Love. 

“We pioneered the idea of putting great American sandwiches on a burger – or using ‘meat as a condiment’ as Jay Leno riffed about the practice on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – and the Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger has been our most popular creation,” said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “This time around, the Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger is better than ever because we serve it on our new Fresh Baked Buns. The slightly sweeter, denser buns that are baked fresh in our restaurants really bring out the flavor of the charbroiled 100% Black Angus beef patty, the thinly sliced steak and the grilled onions and peppers.”

“And, who better to help us promote the best-ever Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger than former Philadelphia pro wide receiver Terrell Owens? Terrell had sort of a love-hate relationship with Philly fans and we make the most of that in the humorous ad campaign for the burger. I think the world will see that he has pretty good acting chops and doesn’t mind poking fun at himself.”

“I really liked the idea for the ad on this one,” said Owens. “It was a great way to tie into my career and it was fun to try my hand at acting.”

Created by Los Angeles- and Amsterdam-based creative agency 72andSunny, the new Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger commercial will begin airing nationally on Dec. 30.

“When you have a great product like this, an in-your-face sports town like Philly, a controversial elite athlete like Terrell Owens, and an audience of young, hungry guys, our job is to get out of the way and let them do what they do best,” said Glenn Cole, chief creative officer at 72andSunny.