Hunter Johnson and Parris Todd are quickly becoming pickleball’s top duo. Fresh off their gold medal wins at the Proton Tucson Open, the couple also appeared in a Michelob ULTRA Super Bowl commercial. The ad, featuring Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara, was a major moment for the sport.
View this post on Instagram
Super Bowl Spotlight
In a recent interview, Johnson and Todd recalled their excitement about filming the commercial.
“The Super Bowl commercial we did with Michelob ULTRA. When we first got the call to do it, they told us who the celebrities were, and since they were a little bit older, we knew their faces but we didn’t know their names.” – (todd)
Johnson admitted they only realized how big the opportunity was once they arrived on set.
“We saw them and we thought, ‘Oh, this is big.’” – (Johnson)
For both players, the commercial was more than just a fun experience.
“We got to showcase pickleball as a sport in the biggest sporting event in the world.” – (Johnson)
“The fact that we can say we were in a Super Bowl commercial because of pickleball is surreal for us.” – (Todd)
Cherished Memories Off the Court
Beyond pickleball, Johnson and Todd enjoy traveling and making memories together. Todd’s favorite moment was a Napa Valley trip to celebrate her birthday.
“Two years ago, we went to Napa for my birthday after a tournament. I had just won and he had gotten to the finals, so we were celebrating that. And it was just amazing. We just got to unplug and unwind. And it was just fun to get to spend some one-on-one time together.” – (todd)
View this post on Instagram
For Johnson, a hot air balloon ride in New Mexico stood out.
“We were in New Mexico for some clinics. I grew up there, so I’ve seen the hot air balloons a thousand times, but I’ve never done it. And I’m a little scared of heights, so I thought it would be too high for me.” – (Johnson)
At first, the experience was nerve-wracking.
“When we got in the balloon, we got about 200 feet up and I was getting freaked out. I had a blank stare and I wasn’t looking at anything. And she grabs my arm and starts telling me, ‘It’s okay.’ And all of a sudden, I got out of my head and I looked around and eventually we got so high everything just looked like specs of dust down there.” – (Johnson)
Johnson eventually relaxed and took in the view.
“We did it together, and when we got up there we just realized how lucky we are. Look at these experiences we get to do because of pickleball. It was just an awesome experience. It’s the best life ever.” – (Johnson)
Pickleball’s Rising Stars
As Johnson and Todd continue their careers, their success is helping to bring more attention to pickleball. Their Super Bowl ad and growing presence in the sport highlight how much the game is expanding. With their talent and chemistry, they are becoming key figures in the sport’s future.
News in Brief: Hunter Johnson and Parris Todd
Hunter Johnson and Parris Todd are making waves in pickleball. They both won gold at the Proton Tucson Open and starred in a Michelob ULTRA Super Bowl commercial.
The couple cherishes their shared experiences, from Napa getaways to hot air balloon rides. Their growing influence is helping boost pickleball’s popularity.
ALSO READ: Hunter Johnson’s Championship Sunday: Gold Medal and a Super Bowl Moment