Tom Brady, Pizza Hut, and Why This Ad Works So Well
Tom Brady, Pizza Hut, and Why This Ad Works So Well
By Kurt Bradley
Okay, obviously this is not a real-world example for most of us. We don’t have the enormous cheque it must have taken to get Tom Brady into an ad. But putting that aside, this Pizza Hut spot is still a great example of how an ad can tick a whole lot of boxes that make it genuinely effective. It’s clear, memorable, and highly entertaining, which is no accident.
Instantly Drawn In
Tom Brady’s face, right at the start. Bang. You’re in. It’s hard not to look. Sure, most brands can’t afford a global sports icon, but the principle still applies. Do something eye-catching immediately. Don’t ease people into it. You’ve got a split second to earn attention.
Brand Early
We know almost straight away who this ad is for. The Pizza Hut logo is front and centre on Brady’s T-shirt. It’s obvious, but it doesn’t feel forced. The brand is part of the story, not something awkwardly shoved in once the joke is over.
Repetition
The brand keeps showing up. Visually through the T-shirt and the pizza itself, and verbally through the running “Hut” gag. It’s constant. But it works because it’s funny. As they taught you at school, repetition is how things stick. This ad leans into that idea and makes it enjoyable rather than annoying.
Creativity
This is the big one. The ad is funny, relatable, and self-aware. Creativity matters because people are more likely to buy from brands they like. They might even share the ad, giving you endorsement and extra reach without spending another dollar. Sounds simple, but plenty of brands still don’t put enough weight on creativity. So yes, we’d call this a slam dunk. Or a touchdown. Either way, it’s an ad that will have worked its socks off. And judging by Brady’s smile as he delivers the pizza, it’s probably already paid for his massive cheque.
