NFL Television Commercials Keep Hall of Famer Csonka Laughing
CHICAGO — Newly inducted Hall of Famer Larry Csonka smiles at the recent notoriety he has received.
Csonka earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his exploits with the Miami Dolphins. But he admits he has gotten as much attention for his appearances in the “Miller Lite†commercials.
“I had the opportunity to watch the commercials and always liked them,†Csonka said. “They looked like fun and I was interested. Until I become involved, I had no idea how much fun they were, otherwise I would have camped out on the brewery’s door in Milwaukee.â€
Csonka will be in another national spotlight today as guest analyst for the first regular season NFL prime time game on ESPN. He will work with regular announcers Mike Patrick and Roy Firestone.
The former running back explains he got into acting on the advice of other ex-athletes who gained similar fame appearing in the Miller Lite advertisements on TV and in newspapers.
“I spoke with Ray Nitchske and Boog Powell and they said, ‘Zonk, you’ll love it. It’s your kind of thing. We get together and drink beer and tell lies.’ Obviously, those guys know me real well,†Csonka said.
Commercial acting came easy for Csonka, who drew upon his experiences during his days in the NFL. He felt an instant rapport with the other members of the “Miller Lite All-Stars,†because the ex-jocks had so much in common.
“We worked very hard on the commercial. But then there are times when you are waiting around with all the alumni. The nice thing about it is we’re all retired guys,†Csonka said. “To keep ourselves current in our own minds, we have to develop new lying techniques to make ourselves look as big and wonderful as the players on the field today.â€
One of Csonka’s favorite stories involves former hockey great Boom Boom Geoffrion of Montreal, another who has gained new fame from the commercials.
“Just to give you an idea of what goes on, Boom Boom, who is probably all of 5-foot-7, has a great sense of humor. Bob Lanier’s costume was in the trailer and Boom Boom put on Bob’s size 22 boots and a 10-gallon hat. We all broke up,†he says.
And, as one might imagine, the “fish†stories circulating throughout the group become embellished over time.
“Everyone’s got a better war story than the other guy. I could not top Boog Powell on anything,†he says. “He’s the all-time yarn-spinner.â€
The All-Star fraternity has grown over the years because some members are not as active as they once were for a number of reasons. Their popularity may have faded, or perhaps they could not keep up with the rigors of personal appearances for the sponsor. Csonka believes it takes a certain kind of person to be involved, and he likes being that kind of team player.
“It’s a whole life style. It’s become the center of so much publicity and attention,†he says. “I’ve got a lot of freedom because my business in Ohio doesn’t demand all of my attention. 1500476704a game trip only there is no Saturday night curfew and on Sunday, you get to watch two other teams play.â€
There is a variety of theories on why this particular ad campaign has been so successful. Academics claim it has become a part of our pop culture. Envious copywriters praise its creative consistency. Fans say they just like to see their favorite ex-jocks in humorous situations.
“I think what happens is that the enthusiasm, the excitement and the very positive attitude of the fellows involved comes through,†he says.
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