Diving In: Subway Launches First Michael Phelps Commercial

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Subway yesterday launched a new commercial featuring swimmer Michael Phelps, his first ad with the QSR, according to Rachel Cohen of the AP. The new spot promotes Subway's meatball sub with jalapeños, and comes in advance of the U.S. Swimming National Championships, which start tomorrow and will air on NBC for the first time. Subway CMO Tony Pace said that the QSR likely "will use Phelps in promotions even during times of year he's not competing." Cohen noted Subway's new campaign "proves that Phelps' popularity as an endorser has survived the publication of a photo over the winter showing him inhaling" from a bong. Pace said, "We didn't think it was reflective of who he was and what he's all about. We also thought because he was truly regretful, we thought he was going to be able to get beyond it" (AP, 7/5). BRAND REPUBLIC's Dan Leahul reported Subway pitchman Jared Fogle joins Phelps in the "Be Yourself" spot, via MMB, Boston (BRANDREPUBLIC.com, 7/3).