Subway Airs New Michael Phelps Commercial

A few months back, So Good ripped Kellogg’s for their gutless decision to cut Michael Phelps as a spokesperson after he was photographed smoking from a bong (yet didn’t seem to mind his previous DUI when hiring him).  We also praised Subway and other sponsors, such as Speedo, for standing by Phelps, as well as noting the plummeting brand reputation of Kellogg’s because of their decision.

After a bit of a hiatus while Phelps was serving his suspension, Subway has finally put the swimming superstar back on the air.  For hidden message seeking stoners and freedom lovers everywhere, the ad could be viewed as either a subtle dig at Kellogg’s and/or nod of approval toward Phelp’s activities.  The new ad pairs Phelps with will-he-just-vanish-off-the-face-of-the-earth-already Subway icon Jared Fogle, and features Sly and the Family Stone’s “Thank You.”  The name of the ad? “Be Yourself.” That’s right Phelps, you should be be yourself! Toke up if you want!

Dan Neil, writing for the Los Angeles Times, examines the (lack of) endorsement fallout from the Phelps story and notes:

To the extent that endorsement opportunities are a rough metric of how well someone in public life is liked, admired, respected, the bong-heard-round-the-world scandal might as well never have happened. With the benefit of hindsight, Kellogg execs might well be kicking themselves.

With Phelps back on the air for Subway and still challenging world records in recent swim tournaments, it’s clear that American’s are happy to have him back, and their collective shrug in response to his pot use shows just how outside the mainstream Kellogg’s is.

Welcome back Michael Phelps, and way to go Subway. I knew there was a reason I worked for one of your franchises for 4 years.