• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, April 22, 2024

Both Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor North America are playing up their connections to the NFL ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. 

Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL, is launching a content campaign starring San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy featuring the all-new 2025 Toyota Crown Signia.

The automaker announced in February that Purdy and former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning were named as national partners and will appear in national content across digital and linear platforms and at experiences designed to engage fans and Toyota dealers.

Prior to the 2023 season, Purdy signed a deal to appear in Toyota's regional advertising efforts across television and social media for the Northern California Toyota Dealers. 

The 30-second spot, titled “Purdy Good Advice,” features Purdy comically giving tips to new players entering the NFL Draft. It will play across linear, streaming and social channels, including during NFL Network’s presentation of the 2024 NFL Draft.  

The automaker also will have a presence at the 2024 NFL Draft Experience in Detroit. Toyota will host a passport-style fan game inside the NFL’s fan festival from April 25-27. 

Fans will be invited to draft new stars to their team’s roster using five Toyota vehicles: 2024 Tacoma, 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, 2024 Land Cruiser, the 2025 Camry and recently revealed 2025 4Runner.

Toyota also will celebrate the arrival of a new generation of superstars as 13-year old Jazlyn “Jazzy” Guerra anchors a live content series interviewing the year’s top Draft prospects on April 25. Purdy will make a cameo in a teaser that will the live content series.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions, owned by the Ford family, unveiled their new Nike-designed uniforms which have design cues that are a nod to several Ford vehicles. 

Inspired in part by Ford's reimagination of the Bronco, the SUV served as a muse for the team in taking a classic look and creating a sharper interpretation for the modern era, according to team officials and Nike Design. The striping across various pieces of the uniform were also inspired by the sleek design commonly seen on the iconic Mustang.

"Ford and the Lions have a rich, shared history grounded in Detroit heritage," says Lisa Materazzo, global chief marketing officer, Ford Motor Co., in a release.  "We're proud that the Ford Bronco and the iconic Mustang served as inspiration for elements of their new uniforms and excited to see the Lions when they proudly represent Detroit in Ford Field and celebrate our shared passion for football.”