OtherThe basics:

• Eli Manning signs on as Jersey Mike’s newest spokesperson
• Danny DeVito plays rival in humorous ad campaign
• Ads celebrate Jersey Mike’s new multiyear NFL partnership

Jersey Mike’s Subs is kicking off football season with a new face on the roster.

As part of a new national campaign, retired New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning has signed on as the Manasquan-based sandwich chain’s newest spokesperson.

Not everyone is thrilled, though. In a spot debuting Aug. 26, actor and longtime Jersey Mike’s front man Danny DeVito accuses Manning of “stealing” his job and the spotlight:

Two more ads following the duo’s playful “spokesperson rivalry” will roll out this fall, according to Jersey Mike’s. Additionally, content will carry over into Jersey Mike’s social media, as well as DeVito and Manning’s accounts, the chain said.

The commercials mark the brand’s first major creative push since becoming the Official Sub Sandwich Sponsor of the NFL in April. As part of a multiyear partnership, the chain will receive exclusive marketing rights and designations that will connect it with the league and football fans in North America.

‘Humor, star power, and a little friendly rivalry’

For the series, Jersey Mike’s turned to Chicago-headquartered, award-winning creative agency Highdive. The two have partnered since 2022, according to a Jersey Mike’s spokesperson.

Mark Gross, co-founder and co-chief creative officer of Highdive, said “This campaign was the perfect way to kick off Jersey Mike’s new NFL partnership—with humor, star power, and a little friendly rivalry. We leaned into Danny’s longtime role with the brand and had fun imagining what happens when someone like Eli tries to steal a little of his spotlight.”

Jersey Mike’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Jeff Hemschoot said, “Eli’s charm and low-key wit combined with Danny’s big personality make for an unforgettable duo. As a proud New Jersey resident and longtime Jersey Mike’s fan, Eli was a natural fit. He’s one of Jersey’s most iconic sports figures and we’re thrilled to have him on our team.”

Crossing paths

Last year, Manning and Jersey Mike’s founder and longtime CEO Peter Cancro served as co-chairs of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s “Be The Difference Campaign,” as well as received honored for their longstanding passion for supporting health care.

Founded in 1956, Jersey Mike’s started out as a small sandwich shop in Point Pleasant. With more than 4,000 locations open and in development, it is now one of the fastest-growing quick service restaurants in the U.S.

In January, Jersey Mike’s completed the sale of a majority stake to private equity giant Blackstone for a reported $8 billion. When Cancro stepped down in April, he transitioned to the role of chairman of the board of directors. He also remains a significant minority shareholder in the company he spent decades building.