Saquon Barkley’s latest Unisom commercial is creating a stir, with the NFL star seemingly taking a jab at John Mara, co-owner of the New York Giants, in a humorous yet pointed moment that has fans buzzing.
In the ad, developed by The Martin Agency and Lippe Taylor, promotes the sleep aid brand, the Philadelphia Eagles running back mockingly portrays the challenges of getting a good night’s sleep, and in a clever twist, references Mara’s leadership.
The ad quickly went viral, with many viewers interpreting Barkley’s lines as a lighthearted but pointed comment on the situation between him and his former team.
#EAGLES RB SAQUON BARKLEY TROLLING #GIANTS OWNER JOHN MARA IN THIS AD.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 2, 2025
😭😭😭
“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia…” - Mara
FUNNIEST AD OF THE YEAR.
pic.twitter.com/dJJwXRxWmk
Despite recently making headlines for his off-season contract disputes and tumultuous exit from the Giants, the NFL star appears to have found a way to combine humor with subtle criticism in his latest gig.
In one of the ad’s standout moments, Barkley is shown tossing and turning in bed, unable to get comfortable, hinting at the tension during Barkley’s contract negotiations.
It was during the third episode of “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” that people learned that Mara didn't to lose Barkley to the Eagles.
“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia,” Mara said in the episode.
This became the foundation of Unisom's viral social-first campaign.
The quick-witted lines, paired with the use of Unisom to “get some rest,” have sparked a wave of reactions from fans and media alike, many of whom see it as Barkley’s way of airing grievances in a playful but effective manner.
This clever use of sports marketing not only draws on Barkley’s football legacy but also connects with fans by weaving humor and real-life drama into the narrative.
At the same time, leveraging the NFL player in an influencer marketing campaign during a timely moment in his career worked to make it gain significant traction.
Turning Controversy into Marketability
It is not the first time Barkley has made headlines since leaving the Giants. The running back’s exit was fueled by contract disputes and dissatisfaction with how the team managed his tenure, despite his standout performances on the field.
His departure, after multiple seasons with the Giants, was a highly publicized saga, making this ad's implicit message all the more noteworthy.
The commercial itself isn’t just a playful jab but also an example of Barkley’s continued marketability in the public eye, reflecting a growing trend of athletes leveraging their visibility and cultural influence outside of sports.
It’s that time of year to send thank you notes for our gifts
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 3, 2025
Here is a thank you note to the New York Giants for the gift of Saquon Barkley with some help from Jimmy Fallon pic.twitter.com/JksydtQtOj
Despite the apparent jab at Mara, Barkley’s portrayal of himself in the commercial keeps things lighthearted and fun, ensuring that fans are laughing rather than feeling any real animosity.
As always, Barkley’s ability to take such a moment in stride has only increased his appeal, and this ad will likely be talked about for some time.
Another well-known athlete using her influence beyond sports is Sue Bird, who teamed up with Symetra to advocate for financial preparedness in retirement.
