The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift – every year, the Super Bowl puts on a spectacle for the entire world to see, and this year was no different. However, it isn’t just about the show in the stadium. Brands put on their best show every year with their Super Bowl commercials. They can spark conversations, whether they’re laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarming, or just plain bizarre. This year’s Super Bowl was arguably the most socially conscious Super Bowl yet. It created a platform for brands to make bold statements on social issues, health, and empowerment.

Let’s break down some of the social impact ads from this year’s game and the messages behind them.

Pfizer: Knock Out

Pfizer entered the ring in this year’s Super Bowl with their commercial, “Knock Out,” which delivers a powerful message in the fight against cancer. The ad features a young boy who, after battling cancer, steps out of the hospital with a sense of triumph, symbolizing resilience and hope. Set to LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out,” the commercial underscores Pfizer’s commitment to achieving eight significant cancer breakthroughs by 2030. The imagery of the young survivor returning to his family, combined with the empowering music, conveys a message of determination and the relentless pursuit to “knock out” cancer. 

“Knock Out” stood out as a heartwarming start for socially based commercials in this year’s Super Bowl.

Google Pixel: Dream Job

Speaking of heartwarming, Google’s “Dream Job” commercial features a father preparing for a job interview with the assistance of Google’s Gemini Live AI on his Pixel 9 smartphone. The catch is, as he receives the standard interview questions the AI prompts him with, his responses match the transferable skills and insights gained from raising his daughter. From working with a small team (his spouse) to being a fast learner (dancing to internet trends with his daughter), the narrative underscores the value of personal experiences in professional settings, emphasizing that qualities like empathy, patience, and adaptability are integral to both parenting and career success. The commercial effectively showcases how AI can serve as a supportive tool in personal development, bridging the gap between everyday life and professional aspirations. 

Even though Google was selling artificial intelligence, the ad resonated on a human level. By focusing on the father’s journey and the role of AI in facilitating self-reflection and growth, the commercial positions Google as a brand that understands and supports the multifaceted nature of personal and professional development.

Dove: These Legs

Dove’s “These Legs” was simple, yet very effective. With no words spoken the ad opens with a three-year-old girl joyfully running down a sidewalk, embodying the spirit of childhood. As the narrative progresses, it highlights the societal pressures that often lead girls to feel self-conscious about their bodies as they approach adolescence. The text on screen reads, “At 3, these legs are unstoppable. At 14, she’ll think they’re unbearable.” It then shares the alarming statistic that 1 in 2 girls who quit sports do so due to body criticism. 

Dove’s decision to address this issue during the Super Bowl aligns with its ongoing commitment to promoting body positivity and self-esteem among women and girls. Dove aims to reach a broad audience, sparking conversations about the importance of supporting young athletes and fostering a positive body image. 

Novartis: Your Attention, Please

Novartis made a significant statement bringing attention to something so many focus on – breasts. The 60-second spot aimed to capture viewers’ focus on breast health amidst the game’s distractions. It featured actress Hailee Steinfeld and comedian Wanda Sykes, a breast cancer survivor, alongside various women in everyday settings. The narrative emphasized the importance of early breast cancer screening, urging women to prioritize their health. 

With a sobering statement at the end that “over 6 million women watching today’s game may be diagnosed with breast cancer,” the commercial received widespread acclaim for its approach to raising awareness. It effectively combined its use of comedy and emotion to spread an important message about breast cancer detection. 

Rocket: Own the Dream

Rocket’s “Own the Dream” commercial celebrated the universal aspiration of homeownership. Set to John Denver’s iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the ad featured a diverse array of individuals and families embarking on their unique journeys toward owning a home. Scenes included an expectant mother eagerly awaiting her baby’s arrival, children joyfully playing in a backyard, and a young couple stepping into their first home, all reinforcing the personal milestones that make a house a home. The commercial concluded with the message: “Everyone deserves their shot at the American Dream. Own the Dream.” 

The ad received widespread acclaim for its emotional resonance and innovative approach to advertising. By blending a beloved song with real-life aspirations, Rocket Mortgage effectively conveyed the message that homeownership should be an attainable goal for everyone.

NFL: Somebody

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The NFL’s “Somebody” commercial highlighted the profound impact of mentorship on youth development. Featuring NFL stars Demario Davis, Arik Armstead, and Adam Thielen, the ad showcased these athletes collaborating with children across New Orleans. The narrative emphasized the importance of positive role models in guiding young individuals toward realizing their potential. The message conveyed was clear: “Every kid can be somebody if they have somebody to show them the way.” 

This ad showcased the NFL’s ongoing commitment to supporting programs that positively impact the lives of children. By leveraging the Super Bowl platform, the league effectively brought attention to the significance of mentorship and community engagement in shaping the future of young people.  Viewers appreciated the authentic depiction of NFL players stepping off the field to make a tangible difference in the lives of children. The ad resonated with audiences, reinforcing the idea that positive guidance can empower the next generation to achieve greatness. 

In conclusion, Super Bowl 2025 wasn’t just about touchdowns, it was about transformation. This year’s ads proved that brands are using their influence to push for meaningful conversations, whether about health, accessibility, equity, or empowerment. As consumers continue to seek authenticity and impact, these commercials set the tone for the future of advertising – one where storytelling and social consciousness go hand in hand. If your organization is looking to share your story in a way that inspires your audience, contact us today.