Dan Campbell makes his acting debut with Applebee's commercials in an eight-part commercial series and proves himself as an adept actor, earning rave reviews from viewers and critics alike.

Eric Woodyard of ESPN covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. Initially joining as an NBA reporter devoted to covering Midwest region before transitioning into his current role as Lions reporter in April 2021. As an author and co-author, Ethan is proud of his two books; Wasted: Ethan’s Talent Search” and All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story”. Additionally, he’s the proud parent of one son named Ethan. Follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard — DETROIT — It took some convincing from Holly Campbell and Piper Campbell before Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell agreed to appear in an Applebee’s commercial. Upon arrival on set for one-day shoot in early July in New Jersey, Campbell delivered an eye-catching spot that has gone viral online. Joel Yashinsky, Applebee’s Chief Marketing Officer told ESPN of working with Yasinsky: “He was incredible to work with and so effortless in front of camera; we did very few takes.” As a Lions fan, Campbell concerns me as someone with incredible acting chops; from facial expressions, body language and voice modulations through to his reactions, timing, reactions timing he seems natural as an actor.” Campbell appeared as himself in an eight part series featuring Saquon Barkley and Brock Purdy alongside himself as other protagonists. Applebee’s: He’s such an accomplished head football coach in the NFL and acting almost comes naturally to him; that may explain why people have responded so positively to these ads.” “Campbell can be seen featured in multiple spots for Applebee’s as part of an eight-part miniseries entitled, “PRE-SEASONING — An Applebee’s Training Camp”, alongside San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.” Spots will continue to roll out throughout the 2024 NFL season. Campbell made her first commercial appearance Tuesday as a waiter interrupting customers midorder to warn them “cover your mouth… they could steal your order”, holding his guest check pad against his face as an illustration. Astounded customers begin following him and placing their menus to their face before placing an order. In another ad he can be seen motivating Applebee’s team as an assistant shift manager towards reaching “another level of production. “Dan Campbell’s Applebees commercial is truly championship caliber: pic.twitter.com/QCIObm2aAp– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2024″This was something I was reluctant to do but my wife and daughter kept pushing for me to do, saying they wanted it done quickly – they encouraged me and my wife constantly! So here we go – do it now or leave this step undone!” So they convinced Campbell into signing an Applebee’s contract, which she accepted with enthusiasm and said yes to. Campbell had great fun working on it – thanks to an amazing staff and crew working alongside them as well as outstanding actors making this production all happen! “All-in-all it was an unforgettable experience – thank you to them all!” Campbell exclaimed. Editor’s Picks1 He was truly amazed. They made him comfortable, we did it and now it’s done,” he noted, but unfortunately more is to come in due course. They did an outstanding job nonetheless and are incredible people to work with.” Yashinsky found Campbell’s latest commercial to be “one of those special moments” on camera after receiving such positive response to it from viewers. Yashinsky raves: “He is as efficient as an actor as he is an NFL coach – we couldn’t be happier about our decision!” “While watching the shots being taken, we knew instantly there was something special going on – which was confirmed when it launched this week and everyone responded positively – all this credit goes directly back to him!” Now that the Lions have established themselves as Super Bowl contenders, several Detroit stars are featured in endorsement deals this week. Quarterback Jared Goff appears in a national Old Spice commercial while wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown can be seen co-starring alongside 49ers tight end George Kittle in a Little Caesars commercial.” “He’s put Applebee’s back on the map!” St. Brown exclaimed with pride, smiling. “I might need to stop in there soon!” The Detroit Lions are set to face Los Angeles Rams again Sunday for Week 1, this time at Ford Field where Detroit won 2423 in their previous wild-card playoff appearance against them in 2016.