Jerome Bettis news
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The gist
Pepsi launched its 26th NFL season campaign starring Jerome Bettis and Justin Jefferson.
Bettis also weighed in on the Steelers' coaching change, adding a football angle.
Background
Pepsi kicked off its 26th NFL season with a campaign called "Tailgating Deserves Pepsi," part of its broader "Food Deserves Pepsi" platform that positions the cola around food pairings. Hall of Famer Jerome "The Bus" Bettis stars as Pepsi's self-appointed gameday flavor referee alongside Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. The launch came with a Sept. 9–14 promotion offering a free 12-pack of Pepsi Zero Sugar, capped at 5,000 redemptions at participating U.S. retailers. Separately, Bettis made comments about the Steelers, who changed head coaches this offseason, hiring Mike McCarthy.
How it unfolded
- Sep 9, 2026Pepsi launches its 26th NFL season campaign starring Jerome Bettis and Justin Jefferson under the "Tailgating Deserves Pepsi" platform; Bettis plays a gameday flavor referee.
- Sep 9, 2026Pepsi pairs the launch with a promotion running Sept. 9–14, offering a free 12-pack of Pepsi Zero Sugar, capped at 5,000 redemptions at participating U.S. retailers.
- Sep 9, 2026Jerome Bettis makes a bold Steelers declaration ahead of the 2026 season.
- Sep 10, 2026Bettis' blunt Steelers take complicates how Mike Tomlin should be judged; the Steelers changed head coaches this offseason, hiring Mike McCarthy.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Pepsi VP of marketing Gustavo Reyna said the campaign reminds fans that gameday spreads are too important to fumble, and that food is at the center of gameday traditions.
- Expert
- Bettis said he believes Pittsburgh finally gave its coach a roster that can produce better results, and that his optimism about hiring Mike McCarthy isn't about replacing Mike Tomlin.
Still unverified
If Bettis is right about the talent, the Steelers' new coach needs to deliver more than another respectable 9-8/10-7 regular season, per one report.