R/GA enlisted Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in its latest ad for fashion headphones brand Beats, entitled “Straight to the Gym.”
Newton, of course, is no stranger to advertising, having recently appeared in spots for Gatorade and Under Armour (which he can be seen wearing here).
The basic approach of the “Straight to the Gym” is nothing new. “Give up, that’s what they want you to do. Stop, that’s what they want you to do,” says Newton in a voiceover that plays as he puts on a pair of wireless Beats and begins an intense workout. The 60-second spot leans heavily on its soundtrack: Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse on Jay Rock’s “Pay For It.” In the ad’s most interesting moment, Newton lets out an agonized scream mid-pullup, driving home the message of the song, and the spot. The ad very much follows in the footsteps of R/GA’s recent ads for the brand showing athletes working out, such as the recent spot celebrating LeBron James’ homecoming, and this ad starring Serena Williams. Maybe it’s time to change up the formula?