Cam Newton and rapper Future have just been featured in Apple's new Beats By Dre ad aired ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl 50 championship game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. The commercial, titled "Cam's Prayer," is inspired by the quarterback's popular pregame ritual.
The ad is narrated by Future featuring his new single "Fly Sh*t Only (FSO)" from the album EVOL, which is an Apple-exclusive. While the ad is for an audio brand, it conveys a powerful message and shows Newton's faith as he asks God for "strength to finish this [game] my way."
In the 30-second clip (see below), the NFL star is seen in the weight room preparing for a game while the rapper's voice can be heard saying, "Dear God, people say you should be yourself, but they never considered me. I know you molded me different. You placed purpose on my shoulders. So now I come to you. Give me the strength to finish this, my way."
The 26-year-old quarterback has a very specific pregame ritual that involves praying and ironing creases on his uniform. "I listen to gospel music. I pray. It's the calm before the storm, knowing I've done everything possible to prepare," he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution last year.
That ritual is reportedly rooted in Newton's Christian faith instilled on him at a young age. The three-time Pro Bowler's father, Cecil Newton Sr., is bishop of Holy Zion Center of Deliverance in Newnan, Georgia. His unusual pregame habit of ironing his uniform is done in honor of his father's sermons and his mother's instructions on caring for this "Sunday best" clothes. "I really like ironing my clothes. It puts me at peace," he once said.
Newton had a season to remember, as he had 35 touchdown, 10 interceptions and threw for 3,837 yards in the regular season. He recently signed a five-year contract extension with the Panthers worth $103.8 million. If all goes well, the 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year will become the first player in history to win college national title, the Heisman Trophy, and the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, Apple, who is a neighbor of the Super Bowl stadium, already showcased a few commercials during the most popular sporting event in the world. The tech giant's Beats by Dre ad is its fourth Super Bowl commercial to date.
