In the NFL, schedule release videos have become all the rage.
But while the Cleveland Browns’ bowling-themed video to announce their 2024 schedule was met with rave reviews from fans, the franchise is now being accused of theft.
Taking to X, Cael Schwartz, who runs the growth and brand for Mugsy Jeans, noted similarities between the Browns’ schedule release video and a commercial his company released last year. In particular, Schwartz pointed to both videos featuring professional bowling legend Pete Weber, with the Browns’ video including multiple shots that looked awfully similar to ones used in the jeans commercial, right down to it taking place in the exact same bowling alley.
“We love Pete & we get it, big dogs gotta eat. But c’mon Browns. Be better. Come up with original ideas one time for me, @NFL,” Schwartz wrote. “We will not sue, however we ask that the NFL buys 1 million pairs of jeans.”
The @Browns blatantly ripped our video. Like a lot. Complete copy. Let me explain…
Last year, @mugsyjeans created our first ever REAL commercial with iconic bowler Pete Weber. It was the most money we’d ever spent on ANYTHING aside from inventory.
Candidly, it is the best… pic.twitter.com/N1EuME6vQT
— Cael Schwartz (@asap_cael) May 16, 2024
Schwartz followed up with a reply to his own post stating that Mugsy Jeans will, in fact, consider legal action against the Browns.
**^ we might sue
— Cael Schwartz (@asap_cael) May 16, 2024
Watching the Mugsy commercial and the Browns’ schedule release video in their entireties, there are plenty of differences. While the Mugsy commercial centers on Weber, the bowling legend only makes a brief cameo at the end of the Browns’ video, which largely focuses on the team’s players.
Conversely, when put side by side, it would be tough to argue that the Browns, at a minimum, didn’t at least draw inspiration from the Mugsy commercial for Weber’s appearance. I’m no legal expert — I just play one on a sports media website — but this seems like something where a resolution will likely be found before it ever reaches the courtroom.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.