The Progressive Football Commercial – Jamie Gives Up On His Father’s Dream

During the recent football season, Progressive is airing a commercial starring everyone’s favorite Progressive agent… Jamie. He always keeps us on our toes, doesn’t he? I had no idea he was a football player at Football High School but this commercial proves it’s true. It’s also hilarious. In fact, it’s worth your time to watch it at least 5 times to catch things you might have missed the first 4 times.

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Everything being so literal is my kind of humor; Everything from FHS (Football High School) and the College Football Scout wearing a lanyard that says “Scout” to Jamie’s teammate saying, “Jamie, we need you out here for football!” as if there was some other reason they might need him out there. I also love the subtle moments of the cheerleader turning all the way around to watch Jamie run towards (not-the) exit, the scout being left-handed (how do you know someone is left-handed? answers here), Jamie is playing defense for his football team, an 11-man unit tasked with protecting the end zone from the opposing team. It makes sense that he would be interested in protecting Progressive customers, it’s in his DNA to protect things.

The parody of every sports movie’s climatic moment is the climax of this ad, too. Jamie and his dad are finally being honest with one another.

You’re giving up on your dream, James.

No, Dad, I’m giving up on yours.

I felt that. The extended cut (on YouTube) includes a final scene that I didn’t see on the TV version. Remember when they cut to Flo watching through binoculars? That scene doesn’t get much explanation unless you watch the extended clip. Spoiler alert: Flo is a scout, too! But not for football. She must’ve been eyeing Jamie for awhile, thinking he’d be a good fit for her Progressive team.

Jamie never put on another football helmet, married that cheerleader, and hasn’t spoken to his dad since*… and now you know the rest of the story.

*I made all of that up.

-Out of the Wilderness