The Evolution of Sports Commercials

Similar to the evolution of dance (a must watch by the way), sports commercials have also undergone radical changes since its infancy. From Mean Joe Greene to Terry Tate Office Linebacker, professional sports and television advertising have been staples of American culture for decades. Therefore it only seems fit that it remains an impossibility to foresee a future in professional sports without advertising. And in particular television commericials.

This one is a classic. Mean Joe Greene drinks the Coke, and throws the little boy his jersey. Gets me everytime.

The best part about this Nike commercial? It was 100% real. He's that good.

Another classic. This McDonald's ad has a distinct late 80s, early 90s feel to it, and every kid who has ever played HORSE can connect with the essence of the video. Even if the whole expressway part was a bit much.

Sir Charles got a ton of heat for this controversial ad, but he stood by his declaration that, "I am not a role model." The man did throw a man out of a window of a restaurant once so I think he might have a point there.

Terry Tate. The Office Linebacker. Hilarious. A bit disturbing at times. But nonetheless a modern classic already.

Looking back, this commercial was either really bad or awesome. And the song...

Y2K. Pretty stupid huh? But back in 2000 everyone was talking about it. Even ESPN.

All those Budweiser commercials with the Clydesdale horses? This one started it all during the '96 Super Bowl. And no I don't think the Clydesdales should play the Detroit Lions because it would be an awful game. The Lions would get creamed.

Who doesn't like the Go World Visa commercials? Visa did a great job putting together off colored videos, Morgan Freeman, and inspirational Olympic moments into the best commercials during the '08 Beijing Games.

Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. That makes sense right? Still cracks me up after all these years.

I honestly can't imagine a world without Monday Night Football. The ad connects with us all. Mondays suck. MNF is awesome.

Great message. But when your the greatest person to ever walk onto a basketball court this ad starts to ring hollow. Nonetheless a classic Nike spot.

The second ad is an actual commercial by the NBA as part of the Amazing Happens ad series. The first is a spoof by ESPN columnist Bill Simmons. I honestly thought both were fairly accurate.