Tailgating Deserves Pepsi: Jerome Bettis and Justin Jefferson Star in Pepsi's NFL Kickoff Campaign
Premier Guide Miami ·
Football is back — and so is Pepsi's "Tailgating Deserves Pepsi" campaign. The Official Soft Drink of the NFL is kicking off the 2026 season with new creative starring Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome "The Bus" Bettis as the official Pepsi gameday flavor ref, alongside Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. In the launch spot, Bettis throws the flag on a burger without Pepsi before Jefferson delivers a highlight-worthy assist — setting the tone for a full season of gameday flavor calls.
“I know a great gameday setup when I see one. Great food, great football and Pepsi belong together. This season, I’m calling it like I see it. Tailgating Deserves Pepsi, and I’m here to make sure fans are ready for kickoff.”
To celebrate the longest NFL Kickoff weekend ever, Pepsi is offering fans a free 12-pack of Pepsi Zero Sugar through September 14 while supplies last — redeemable as a digital offer at participating retailers across the United States (limit 5,000 redemptions). Two additional campaign spots set in a fan's home and a grocery store aisle will debut throughout the season during the NFL's most-watched moments, with Bettis popping up wherever gameday flavor needs a referee.
“With Tailgating Deserves Pepsi, we’re reminding fans that gameday spreads are too important to fumble. Pepsi is made for the bold flavors of football season, and Jerome and Justin give us a fun way to call it: when the food shows up, Pepsi should be right there with it.”
The campaign builds on Pepsi's 26-season NFL partnership and a growing presence across 15 NFL team partnerships — including the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and the recently announced Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout the season, Pepsi will extend the platform through exclusive merchandise, tailgating experiences, fan surprises, and team-specific activations tied to football's biggest food moments.