Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has once again swapped his headset for the bright lights of the camera, this time for another Applebee’s commercial that officially dropped this week.
Over the past couple of summers, fans speculated when Campbell was filming after spotting him around Michigan. Now we know for sure, the popular coach shot the latest ads in Howell, Michigan, joining Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty as part of Applebee’s NFL campaign.
A Commercial Loaded with Personality
The focus of the ads? Applebee’s massive appetizers list, which boasts 81,600 possible combinations. Last year marked Campbell’s debut with the restaurant chain, a move that only happened after some nudging from his wife, Holly, and daughter, Piper.
“Look this was something I’ve been reluctant [to do], my wife and my daughter are constantly like, ‘You have to do it, you have to do it. Do this.’ So, they talked me into the Applebee’s deal,” Campbell admitted last year.
The Lions’ coach ended up enjoying himself more than expected, crediting the crew and fellow actors for making the shoot smooth and fun. His natural charisma and off-the-cuff humor made the commercials trend quickly on social media, and Applebee’s clearly took notice.
Your favorite @Applebees Head Shift Manager is back: Dan Campbell. pic.twitter.com/sisJxCNhkq
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 18, 2025
Year 2 Was a “No-Brainer”
Bringing Campbell back for another year wasn’t a tough decision for Applebee’s leadership.
“Bringing Coach Campbell back for Year 2 of our NFL partnership was a no-brainer,” said John Peyton, Applebee’s president and Dine Brands CEO, in a statement to ESPN. “Not only does Dan continue to impress with his acting chops, but he brings an infectious charisma that raises the morale of any room he walks into. There’s a reason why he’s connected so well with both Applebee’s and NFL fans.”
Why It Works
Dan Campbell has become more than just a head coach, he’s a cultural figure. Between his fiery press conferences, heartfelt locker-room speeches, and now these lighthearted commercials, Campbell continues to show why Lions fans, and now Applebee’s fans, can’t get enough of him.
And hey, if Campbell can lead the Lions to a Super Bowl appearance one day, you can bet Applebee’s will be first in line to celebrate with unlimited apps.
Leave a Comment