Let's Go To Commercial: Memorable Sports Ads That Stood Out In '17

Controversial issues and figures played a pivotal role in sports business this year, and advertisers were quick to take advantage with a number of moving spots. The usual suspects made their mark with some comedic commercials, while others appeared with more serious spots. The following ads stood out to us this year. 

FATHER KNOWS BEST: This year featured the rise of the Big Baller Brand, which LaVar Ball made sure was front and center. He built the brand around his son, Lakers G Lonzo Ball, and never shied away from a camera. Lonzo appeared in a comedic Foot Locker Father’s Day spot where he acknowledges his father’s behavior, which resonated with fans and critics. The spot features NBA Draft prospects warmly remembering one-on-one games in the driveway with their dads, while Lonzo deadpans his way through a heartwarming story about LaVar copyrighting his name to make it part of a family lifestyle brand.

IN CARR WE TRUST: The marketing potential of Raiders QB Derek Carr was on full display with his musical performance in a spot for Fresno-based Educational Employees Credit Union. Carr's good looks are on full display in this music video that included a fringe jean jacket, a sensible car, backup dancers in business casual attire and even an appearance from his brother, ex-NFL QB David Carr. As Derek Carr lip-syncs his way through the flashy, over-the-top video, fans cannot help but be lost in his intense gaze and the catchy pop song that accompanies the video. Carr could be a marketing power to reckon going forward.

Also: 

• Anheuser Busch honors the retiring Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s most popular driver, in a heartfelt spot just prior to his final race this season.
• DraftKings goes to medical school with a humorous look at fantasy sports with “Dr. Aftkings” who diagnoses fantasy football-related ailments.
• Thunder G Russell Westbrook’s individuality and disdain for the norm are on full display in this spot from Mountain Dew. 
• Marketing powerhouse Von Miller’s artistic vision plays out in this ad from Old Spice, another in a continuing line of quirky, weird ads from the brand. 
• The internal fortitude of LeBron James, seldom questioned on the court, is tested in this ad from Intel where he takes a ride in a driverless car.
• A simple batting practice session for Cubs 3B Kris Bryant becomes a hilarious prank as Baseball HOFer Greg Maddux punks the ’16 NL MVP. 
• Redskins CB Josh Norman tries to downplay his rivalry with Cowboys WR Dez Bryant in this ad from Samsung, but his social media sends a different message entirely.
• The new office manager, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, motivates a team of architects in this hearty spot from Campbell's Soup.