Reigning Masters Tournament Champion Jon Rahm is making his ‘This is SportsCenter’ commercial debut in “Hazard,” just days before he looks to defend his title in Augusta, GA. The spot will be live across ESPN platforms during the week of the tournament and run through April 28.

“Hazard” features both English and Spanish-language spots, continuing to keep the ESPN Hispanic audience at the forefront. The spot will also air across ESPN’s platforms internationally. The Spanish-language spot features ESPN Commentator John Sutcliffe, while the English-language version includes ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Steve Levy. 

Florida Gators mascot Albert the Gator plays a key role in the creative, as Rahm’s golf ball lands in the ESPN breakroom, coincidently right near Albert. Does Rahm play the ball or take the drop?

“You never know what obstacles you might face on any given day at ESPN,” said Seth Ader, Vice President of Brand Marketing at ESPN. “One day you can grab your cup of joe with ease, and the next, Albert the Gator stands in your way.”

“Hazard” was developed in collaboration with Arts & Letters Creative Co. 

Rahm is the second athlete to be featured in a ‘This is SportsCenter’ spot in 2024, shortly following UFC flyweight Brandon Moreno, who starred in “Elevator” in March. The iconic campaign returned in 2023.

Athletes who made appearances in 2023 include Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, Vegas Golden Knights and star forwards Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault, United States Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin, and United States Women’s National Team soccer stars Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Sophia Smith (“Orange Slices” & “Stoppage Time”). 

The Delta State ‘Fighting Okra’ mascot also made an appearance, among other mascots. Featured SportsCenter anchors include Levy, Nicole Briscoe, Elle Duncan, Hannah Storm, Kevin Neghandi, Jay Harris, Gary Striewski, and more.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the makings of This is SportsCenter commercials.

Credits:
ESPN
Tina Thornton – EVP, Creative Studio & Marketing
Seth Ader – VP, Brand Marketing
Peter Mulally – Senior Director, Brand Marketing
John Lobo – Associate Director, Brand Marketing
Lenny Washington – Marketing Coordinator, Brand Marketing
Brian Iglesias – Senior Director, International Marketing & Marketing Operations
Matthew Cheron – Associate Director, Marketing Production
Jonathan Little – Associate Producer II, Marketing Production
Sean Andersen – Production Coordinator, Marketing Production
Stacey Pressman – Senior Director, Talent Production
Katie Hennessey – Sr. Talent Producer
Zuriel Loving – Sr. Talent Producer
Tomas Casabal – Creative Director, Grande & Leonard Creative
Sandra Blacio – Director, International Marketing & Marketing Operations
Blanca Lopez – Promotions Producer II, Grande & Leonard Creative
Genesis Cifuentes – Marketing Associate Manager, ESPN Deportes Marketing
Juliana Araque- Marketing Associate Manager, International Marketing
Geordana Gonzales – Marketing Coordinator, International Marketing
Brandon Wong – Supervisor Prod Ops, LAPC
Michael Wilson – Sr Facilities Services Coord, LAPC

Arts & Letters Creative Co. – Agency
Charles Hodges – Founder/ECD
Molly Jamison – ECD
Andy Grayson – Director of Strategy
Andrew Kong – Creative Director
Chris Kim – Creative Director
Scott Hayes – Creative
Gloria Concepción – Creative
Lisa Setten – Head of Production
Calleen Colburn – Executive Producer
Andrea Rodriguez – Senior Producer
London Scalise – Assistant Producer
Lenora Cushing – Director of Business Affairs
Jennifer Kmetzsch –  Business Affairs Manager
Brenda Schneider – Group Business Director
Lindsey Kirkner – Business Director
Lauren Lawson – Business Manager
Alex Morrison – Strategy Director
Bodi Karsono – Strategist
Sara Kastner – Chief of Staff
Kait Sutherland – Director of Creative Management

XYZ – Editorial
Whitney Green – Executive Producer, XYZ
Ryan Dunstan – Resource Manager, XYZ
Rob Rosko – Producer, XYZ
Lauren Galanides – Senior Producer, XYZ
Pat Blumer – Edit Lead, XYZ
Stuart Mauck – Assistant Editor, XYZ

O Positive – Production Company
Kenny Herzog – Director
Marc Grill – Executive Producer
Ralph Laucella – Executive Producer
Eric Steelberg – DP
Dan Ouellette – Production Designer

Company3 – Color
Tim Masick – Colorist
Ryan Moncrief – Color Producer
Stephen Winterhalter – Color Assistant
Quinn Wright – Color Assistant

Blacksmith – VFX
Hannah Wilk – Flame Lead
Marco Baratto – Compositor
Myles Dunlop – Compositor
Nicole Saccardi – Executive Producer

Barking Owl – Sound Design & Mix
Elizabeth McClanahan – Sound Designer & Mixer
Ashley Benton – Executive Producer
Jenna Pangilinan – Associate Producer
Kelly Bayett – Creative Director