Super Bowl commercials are known for grabbing attention, but this year one of the most talked-about ads comes from Kendall Jenner. The model and reality star leaned directly into long-running internet jokes about the so-called “Kardashian curse,” turning speculation into self-aware humor.
Embracing the Narrative
In the advert for Fanatics, Jenner openly addressed the viral idea that NBA players who date her experience career setbacks. Rather than avoiding the narrative, she built the commercial around it.
“Haven’t you heard? The internet says I’m cursed. Any basketball player who dates me kind of hits a rough patch,” Jenner quipped. She then linked the joke to her lifestyle, pointing to luxuries supposedly gained from past relationships.
“This pool? Basketball boyfriend one missed the playoffs… I guess nobody was getting a ring in this house. Boyfriend number two flopped right out of the league. This cute jet? Thanks, boyfriend three! The Kardashian curse, it’s not even my last name.”
Viral Impact
The ad quickly went viral, with fans praising Jenner’s willingness to poke fun at herself. By leaning into the narrative, she flipped years of speculation into self-mockery, creating one of the most memorable Super Bowl campaigns in recent memory. Social media lit up with reactions, with many noting that Jenner’s self-awareness made the commercial stand out in a crowded field of big-budget ads.
NBA Connections
Jenner has been linked to several NBA stars over the years, including Jordan Clarkson, Blake Griffin, Ben Simmons, and Devin Booker. Each relationship fueled memes about the Kardashian curse, a pop culture theory suggesting athletes dating members of the Kardashian-Jenner family see their careers decline. By referencing her dating history directly, Jenner gave the advert added impact. Fans familiar with the narrative recognized the tongue-in-cheek nods, while newcomers were introduced to the long-running internet joke.
A Bold Super Bowl Strategy
Super Bowl ads often rely on celebrity appearances, but Jenner’s commercial stood out by acknowledging online chatter head-on. Instead of ignoring speculation, she embraced it, turning criticism into comedy. The result was a campaign that not only entertained but also sparked conversation across platforms. For Fanatics, the gamble paid off, as the ad became one of the most discussed spots ahead of the NFL’s biggest game. With the Super Bowl spotlight shining bright, Jenner’s self-aware humor ensured her commercial cut through the noise and cemented its place among the year’s most viral moments.
