AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dr Pepper is back for another round of “Fansville” commercials to start college football season, and Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers gets deputized.
It’s the seventh season of the brand’s campaign that takes a satirical and clever swipe at the landscape of college football that’s undergoing constant change, highlighted by the first episode titled “Into the Great Unknown” released Monday. Ewers briefly appears in it, very matter-of-factly proclaiming that he’s “a new character” and then he’s introduced as “Deputy” on the screen. He’s wearing a uniform that has the sheriff’s deputy look with a big No. 3 on the front of it. He’s also wearing a wristband with what is presumably a playsheet on it like quarterbacks have done for years.
Ewers’ big moment will come in the third episode of the ad campaign titled “Call for Backup.” It’s set to air nationally for the first time Aug. 26, and according to a press release from Keurig Dr Pepper, it “cleverly mirrors” Ewers’ path.
“This episode cleverly mirrors the excitement surrounding Quinn’s own journey, as he leads the Longhorns with one of the most-watched rising talents right behind him,” the press release said. The rising talent its talking about is, of course, backup quarterback Arch Manning.
Ewers is the first Texas-based athlete the brand has partnered with, a tip of the cap to both of their Texas roots. Ewers was born in San Antonio and Dr Pepper was created and first sold in Waco.
It’s the latest Name, Image and Likeness deal for Ewers, who has also recently signed on with clothing company Rhoback, streaming service Hulu, video game company Electronic Arts and private jet airline Nicholas Air among others.