At a Glance
- Matthew McConaughey and Bradley Cooper partner with Uber Eats for a trio of Super Bowl commercials that playfully explore the idea that football was invented to sell food.
- The ads feature McConaughey shouting “Food!” while Cooper jogs in an Eagles hat, a mascot interrogation, and a puppet showdown.
- The campaign follows a 2025 Uber Eats Super Bowl spot that starred McConaughey, Martha Stewart, Charli XCX, Kevin Bacon, Greta Gerwig and Sean Evans.
The latest Uber Eats Super Bowl campaign brings together two Hollywood icons who each have a distinct stance on the sport and its alleged culinary motives. McConaughey, a 56-year-old actor known for Dallas Buyers Club and Silver Linings Playbook, is portrayed as the “team food” advocate. Cooper, 51 and a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, defends the sanctity of football.
The Conspiracy Theory
The central premise of the ads is that football was invented to sell food, a claim that McConaughey and Cooper humorously investigate before the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8.
McConaughey’s first 30-second spot shows him driving a pickup truck while Cooper jogs beside him. He repeatedly shouts “Food!” in varying pitches, taunting Cooper who is wearing an Eagles hat.
Cooper attempts to question McConaughey about his priorities, but the Texas native interrupts, proclaiming, “It’s all food, Bradley!” This exchange sets the tone for the playful debate.
In a second clip, McConaughey confronts Sourdough Sam, the San Francisco 49ers mascot. He remarks that Sam is a “goldminer mascot” whose name hints at food.
Sourdough Sam remains silent throughout the interrogation, prompting McConaughey to quip, “Best come clean, or you’re toast.” The silence fuels the comedic narrative.
The third video features puppet versions of the actors. Puppet McConaughey convinces puppet Cooper that the theory is true, leading to a line from puppet Cooper: “It was right in front of my gullible, handsome gullible face all this time.”
These ads are part of Uber Eats’ broader marketing strategy to engage viewers during the most-watched event in the United States. The company’s 2025 Super Bowl commercial set the stage with a star-studded lineup that included McConaughey, Martha Stewart, Charli XCX, Kevin Bacon, Greta Gerwig and Sean Evans.
The 2026 Super Bowl will take place at Levi Stadium, the home field of the San Francisco 49ers. The stadium’s mascot, Sourdough Sam, is featured in the second ad, tying the narrative to the venue.
The ads are timed to align with the broadcast on NBC, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8. Viewers can watch the 2026 Super Bowl to see the full comedic exploration of the food-football theory.
| Date | Event | Key Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Uber Eats Super Bowl commercial | McConaughey, Martha Stewart, Charli XCX, Kevin Bacon, Greta Gerwig, Sean Evans |
| Feb. 8, 2026 | Super Bowl XL | McConaughey, Cooper, Uber Eats, Levi Stadium |
The campaign highlights the synergy between celebrity culture and food delivery services. Uber Eats uses high-profile actors to generate buzz and entertain fans while promoting its brand.
The comedic premise taps into the long-standing debate about the cultural significance of football and its relationship to food consumption. By featuring a beloved sports mascot, the ads reinforce the connection between football fans and the desire for food.
Fans of both actors and football enthusiasts are encouraged to tune in to the 2026 Super Bowl to see whether McConaughey’s theory holds up. The ads promise humor, surprise, and a playful look at the intersection of sports and cuisine.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew McConaughey and Bradley Cooper lead a three-ad Uber Eats campaign that humorously argues football was invented to sell food.
- The ads air during the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8, featuring a pickup truck, a mascot interrogation, and puppet theatrics.
- Uber Eats’ 2025 Super Bowl spot set the tone for 2026, showcasing the company’s strategy of pairing celebrities with playful concepts.
- The 2026 Super Bowl will be held at Levi Stadium, home of the 49ers, tying the mascot Sourdough Sam into the narrative.
- Viewers can watch the full campaign on NBC at 6:30 p.m. ET, making the event a must-see for fans of football, food, and entertainment.
