April 01--Get ready to have 'Be Like Mike' stuck in your head today.
Gatorade brought the classic jingle back for a new star-studded commercial featuring Michael Jordan (of course), Nick Cannon, Serena Williams, Jabari Parker, Cam Newton, Bryce Harper, Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, Usain Bolt and Jimmie Johnson. Noticeably absent: Gatorade endorser Patrick Kane.
The "Be Like Mike" ad campaign was first launched in 1992. Gatorade released a digitally remastered version of that ad during NBA All-Star weekend in February to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary and then released three "remixes" in March. And because Gatorade is on a nostalgia kick, it is once again selling Jordan's favorite Gatorade flavor, "Citrus Cooler" -- not to be confused with my favorite Hi-C flavor, Ecto Cooler.
Make sure to check out the Sports Business Journal's interesting backstory on "Be Like Mike." It includes tidbits on how Gatorade signed Jordan away from Coke and how "The Jungle Book" inspired the famous campaign.
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