The last several years have witnessed a notable surge in the legalization of recreational cannabis products across various states. Even the National Football League (NFL), once staunchly opposed to marijuana, has evolved; it no longer suspends players for THC usage and, as of this December, has raised the THC threshold required for a positive test, which now incurs only a fine.
However, the NFL’s stance on cannabis, particularly regarding marijuana—which refers to the parts of the cannabis flower containing THC—remains more stringent than in many states where it operates. This was evident at various NFL-adjacent parties in New Orleans this week, which featured THC seltzers. The league and Commissioner Roger Goodell even faced some lighthearted ribbing in a new 7-minute short from pre-rolled cannabis company Jeeter and comedy group National Lampoon released on Super Bowl Sunday.
The short, titled National Lampoon Presents The Jeeter Potluck, showcases a husband and wife hosting a Super Bowl party marked by eccentric behavior. A highlight comes around the 4:06 mark when former NFL players Ricky Williams—known for his history with marijuana and his 2006 exile to the CFL due to positive drug tests—and Calvin Johnson make an appearance, bringing boxes of Jeeter’s pre-rolled cannabis products to this “pot luck,” which are enthusiastically received.
Things get particularly amusing around 5:27 when the wife in the short asks, “Isn’t Ricky supposed to stay off the grass?” to which the husband replies, “No, that’s down the street, at the Goodells’ house,” humorously framing their enjoyment of cannabis. This campaign extends beyond just this short; it marks “the first of many content pieces between Jeeter and National Lampoon,” a brand recognized for its longstanding comedic legacy. Additionally, Jeeter, the “No. 1 pre-roll brand in the United States,” has launched “Big Game Legacy Packs” in dispensaries across the four states where their products are sold (California, Michigan, Arizona, and Massachusetts) and released a limited-edition apparel line featuring Johnson and Williams, broadening accessibility beyond the actual cannabis products.
Notably, seeing Johnson, especially, and Williams engage in light-hearted mockery of Goodell in a cannabis promo video released on Super Bowl Sunday is significant. While not aired during the national broadcast—where marijuana ads have reportedly faced rejection—this high-budget production involving prominent NFL stars signifies growing acceptance. Although Williams’ involvement isn’t surprising, Johnson’s participation reflects a shift in attitudes. While Goodell and the NFL will undoubtedly continue unaffected, this initiative sparks crucial conversations about the NFL’s relationship with cannabis, which many former athletes and even some current players herald for its potential in pain relief, aligning the league more closely with other sports where attitudes toward marijuana are shifting.
