I’ve had an AT&T phone line for the last 10 years. So it’s brands that mean something to me. Brands that, when you look on the TV screen, you’re proud to be a part of.
This spot was reminiscent of Nike’s “Barkley on Broadway” spot from the ‘90s about Charles Barkley’s own defensive style and struggles. What was the creative process like and how comfortable were you referencing recent events?
As all of these things transpired over the course of this year, you have one or two choices to make: You lean into it or you run from it—and I’ve never wanted to run from anything.
When they sent the treatment and what the storyline would be, I was thrilled because it’s also the opportunity to address the elephant in the room.
I’m not running from who I’ve been my entire career but giving you the opportunity to step inside and understand who I am, who I’ve been, what I love about who I am, what I hate about who I am, what I want to change, what I’m keeping exactly the same and everything in between.
How important is it for you at this stage of your career to have supportive brand partners?
I take a great deal of pride in being a great partner for brands. I support them. I ride for them. I try to give more than I’m contractually obligated to because we’re partners.
I try to give my all to make sure that I am doing more than was asked of me as the partner of a brand, because I know I can move the needle. Everyone has an opinion on me. If you love me, you watch because you love me. If you hate me, you watch because you hate me. But you watch. You care. And for me, that’s all that matters.
You can be either loved or hated, and still be stiff on camera. Your appearances in this AT&T add and TNT broadcasts suggest you’re already comfortable on screen. How much work did that require?
It started growing up in Saginaw, Mich. I remember when Saginaw newspapers started to interview me. I still remember the guy’s name, Hugh Bernreuter—that’s where the practice starts. Even the News 5 channel in Saginaw, the News 12 channel in Flint that covers Saginaw: That’s where it all begins, and I always took those interviews very seriously.
That’s translated over the years to spots like this with AT&T and being in front of the camera more with the TNT opportunities. When I get those opportunities, I’m all in. I’m studying, preparing and practicing because I want to be great.
I’ve gotten better over time. I hate hearing myself talk on camera, which is a very funny thing because I watch film on myself just to get better. I still hate to hear my voice, but I love for my voice to be heard.
Was there an early moment that was particularly memorable?
