LaDainian Tomlinson Eats Chunky Soup (starring in their commercials is fun, too)

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

There’s no “i” in Campbell’s Chunky soup, but San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson will be going solo in the newest installment of the famed Chunky soup advertising campaign, which began production in Los Angeles this week.

LT is taking his gridiron greatness and “good guy” personality in front of the camera, as he stars in the Chunky soup ads for the second consecutive year. This season marks Chunky soup’s 11th as an NFL sponsor and the first time in the brand’s history that the advertising campaign will be solely focused on one marquee player, without his mom by his side (and just before Mother’s Day — what a slap in the face to moms everywhere — I’m kidding, of course). Campbell’s Chunky soup will feature LT in the 2008 advertising campaign, appropriately titled, “Working Day,” which focuses on a day in the life of an NFL star. Chargers’ head coach Norv Turner will also appear in one spot. Chunky soup’s brand manager (whose name is ironically Doug Brand) said:

“As we enter our 11th consecutive season with the NFL, we are excited to introduce a new and different approach for this year’s advertising campaign. We are delighted to have LaDainian Tomlinson back for a second season and believe he is the foundation for the outstanding evolution of this new campaign. LaDainian is a stand-out athlete who truly represents all of the qualities of the Chunky soup brand — big-hearted, hardworking and fun, making him a natural fit as our spokesperson and one who will effectively serve as our Tackling Hunger® Ambassador.”

The “Working Day” campaign marks the first time the ads will feature mostly computer-generated graphics and visual effects. Plus, LT will utilize green screen technology where he’ll simulate touchdown runs as he dodges opposing defenses. I’ll post the finished product as soon as I get my hands on it. As far as the soup is concerned, I like New England Clam Chowder, Chicken & Dumplings and Hearty Bean & Ham best. I also love the Tantalizin’ Turkey Chili with Beans. Mmm mmm, good.

For more information on Campbell’s Chunky soup and the Tackling Hunger program, please visit chunky.com.

Source: Business Wire, Photo: Newscom