What’s wrong with America? Stephen A. Smith had a theory about that on Monday’s episode of First Take, saying the country’s problems can be illustrated by the fact Will Levis is doing mayonnaise commercials.
In case you’ve somehow missed the commercials, the Tennessee Titans quarterback has done several spots for Hellmann’s mayonnaise. The company approached Levis after a video of him putting mayo in his coffee (!) went viral. One of the spots, an ad spoofing high-end fragrance commercials, walks a fine line between genius and cringey.
The fragrance you’ve been craving is here. Introducing Will Levis No. 8, Parfum de Mayonnaise. Daily supply is limited.https://t.co/JKguMXqV7d pic.twitter.com/cJZVYNQlNC
— Hellmann’s Mayonnaise (@Hellmanns) August 13, 2024
If you’re wondering how a struggling quarterback on a struggling team became a prominent pitchman?, you’re not alone. Smith raised the topic Monday, as First Take discussed Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was frustrated after not recording a catch, despite eight targets, in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Levis, who threw for only 95 yards, had something to do with that.
“How the hell did he get these commercials?” Smith asked. “See, that’s the problem with America! That’s the problem with America! Right there’s the problem with America! … we’ve got to stop rewarding mediocrity.”
“How you gonna get a mayonnaise commercial and you looking like … and you’re playing like that? I mean come on.”
Stephen A. Smith on Will Levis: “How the hell he get these commercials? See, that’s the problem with America… we got to stop rewarding mediocrity… how you gonna get a mayonnaise commercial and you playing like that? I mean come on.” pic.twitter.com/sIPlKvSRlp
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 14, 2024
It’s been a tough season for Levis and the 1-4 Titans. After a bad play in one game, Titans head coach Brian Callahan could be seen asking Levis, “What the f*ck are you doing?”
Sunday, Levis went tumbling out of bounds after a run and ran over a ball boy, who had to be carted off the field.
A ball boy at the Colts-Titans game in Nashville was carted off after taking a big hit to the leg from Tennessee QB Will Levis.
Here’s how it looked on the CBS broadcast, with Spero Dedes on the commentary. pic.twitter.com/By3KlIYjqm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 13, 2024
And now Smith is hitting Levis where it hurts most, picking on his love affair with mayonnaise.
[First Take]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.