Ford in collaboration with NFL Media has extended its Built Ford Tough O-Line campaign into the offseason with an online video series featuring two Draft prospects -- Pat Elflein of Ohio State and Kyle Kalis of Michigan. Called “In The Trenches,” the documentary-style series chronicles the two players’ preparation for the NFL with former NFLer LeCharles Bentley, who runs a training facility for offensive linemen in Arizona. The eight-episode series, which began in March, is being filmed in real-time leading up to the Draft on April 27-29. Ford worked with Michigan-based agency GTB in developing the concept, and NFL Media is producing the videos, which can be found on NFL.com and YouTube. In addition to 15-second pre-roll spots, each episode contains a significant amount of branding and includes shots of the players driving and riding in F-Series trucks.
Ford, the NFL’s official truck sponsor, selects the top offensive line of the week during the season and gives an award to the top offensive line in the league at the end of the season. Ford VP/U.S. Marketing, Sales & Service Mark LaNeve said “In The Trenches” allows the brand to “keep fans connected and engaged with Built Ford Tough and the NFL” during the offseason. Ford plans to produce another edition of the series next offseason with another pair of players.
Click here to watch Episode 1.
