Golf Champion Jon Rahm Defends His Title in ESPN SportsCenter Spot

Reigning Masters Tournament Champion Jon Rahm is making his ‘This is SportsCenter’ commercial debut in 'Hazard,' just days before he looks to defend his title in Augusta, GA. The spot will be live across ESPN platforms during the week of the tournament and run through April 28th.

'Hazard' features both English and Spanish-language spots, continuing to keep the ESPN Hispanic audience at the forefront. The spot will also air across ESPN’s platforms internationally. The Spanish-language spot features ESPN Commentator John Sutcliffe, while the English-language version includes ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Steve Levy.  

Florida Gators mascot Albert the Gator plays a key role in the creative, as Jon’s golf ball lands in the ESPN breakroom, coincidently right near Albert. Does Jon play the ball or take the drop?

“You never know what obstacles you might face on any given day at ESPN,” said Seth Ader, vice president of brand marketing at ESPN. “One day you can grab your cup of joe with ease, and the next, Albert the Gator stands in your way.”

'Hazard' was developed in collaboration with Arts & Letters Creative Co.

Jon is the second athlete to be featured in a ‘This is SportsCenter’ spot in 2024, shortly following UFC flyweight Brandon Moreno, who starred in 'Elevator' in March. The iconic campaign returned in 2023.

Athletes who made appearances in 2023 include Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, Vegas Golden Knights and star forwards Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault, United States Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin, and United States Women’s National Team soccer stars Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Sophia Smith ('Orange Slices' and 'Stoppage Time').

The Delta State ‘Fighting Okra’ mascot also made an appearance, among other mascots. Featured SportsCenter anchors include Levy, Nicole Briscoe, Elle Duncan, Hannah Storm, Kevin Neghandi, Jay Harris, Gary Striewski, and more.