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Chris Pratt has already won the hearts of fans around the globe thanks to his many popular roles in film and television. At 45 years old, he feels like America's cool brother, thanks to his approachable demeanor and laid-back personal style.
Today, football fans can look forward to seeing more of their favorite actor in a new Super Bowl commercial. Pratt is starring alongside Kris Jenner and Chris Hemsworth for Meta’s creative ad spot during Super Bowl LIX, showcasing the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and their AI capabilities.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, the ad showcases how this groundbreaking technology is redefining wearable tech with built-in Meta AI features. As part of the exciting announcement, Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI spoke with Pratt about his partnership with Meta, his love of the glasses, and his favorite footwear.
What made you want to partner with Meta on this campaign?
AI glasses from Meta are fundamentally changing technology and how we relate to it, so I jumped at the opportunity to take on a creative challenge with such an awesome innovation.
And with the Big Game being such a significant moment in culture across sports and entertainment, getting to collaborate alongside Chris Hemsworth and Kris Jenner was something I was really excited to take on!
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are stylish and functional. What are your favorite parts?
It was really eye opening to deep-dive into the AI capabilities of the glasses as we workshopped creative ideas for the spot. The glasses feature Meta AI, so you can ask things while on the go and get real-time answers or tell you what you’re looking at.
For example you can say, “Hey Meta, what is this artwork?” or “Hey Meta, what’s the over/under for Super Bowl this year” and Meta AI will tell you. The hands-free POV capture is also clutch. When you record a cool moment on your phone, it kind of takes you out for the moment, right?
You’re not watching the game, or the fireworks, or looking at your kids or whatever- you’re looking at your phone. With Ray-Ban Meta glasses you can capture the precious moments without ruining them by holding up a device.
Especially with young kids who don’t realize you’re filming them with the glasses. You watch the video back and they’re looking you right in the eyes and laughing or saying something cute or singing happy birthday or whatever.
Which, if you have kids, you know when you pull out your phone to take a pic or video, it ruins the moment, and they get distracted and stop doing whatever they were doing and all of a sudden they want to watch something on your phone. I really think these glasses are gonna change the game in a major way and bring a ton of value to people.
How much fun was it filming this campaign spot?
Oh, it was an absolute blast! Anytime I get to work with Hemsworth we really go in and have a time. It was amazing to welcome another Kris into the crew– what an icon. We had a lot of laughs on set while playing around with the art and AI glasses. The whole shoot was full of high energy and great vibes—which really pulled through in the spot.
Which of the characters that you have played would be the most likely to wear these glasses?
That’s a great question! I think Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy would totally rock these. He’s all about staying connected with his crew, and the Ray-Ban Meta glasses would be perfect for capturing his wild space adventures while blasting his favorite tunes with the open-ear audio. But honestly, these glasses are so versatile and sleek that anyone would look good in them.
Last question: we know you golf and train a lot. What are your go-to shoes for the course and gym?
Ah, now you’re speaking my language. For golf, I love the FootJoy Pro SL—they’ve got amazing traction and comfort, which is key when you’re aiming for that perfect swing. And for the gym? The Nike Metcon series is my go-to.
They’re durable, supportive, and handle everything from lifting weights to hitting the treadmill. But if I’m just hanging out, you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Vans—comfort and style, baby!
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TODAY'S BEST
Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
The Pittsburgh Steelers' signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers was an immediately polarizing move that did not sit well with large portions of the fan base. It also did not sit well with one of the team's all-time greatest players, four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw initially referred to the signing of Rodgers as a "joke" and that he should "stay in California and go chew bark" in reference to Rodgers isolating himself in a darkness retreat last year. On Saturday, Rodgers finally had a chance to respond to Bradshaw and did so with a combination of taking the high road, and also trying to make light of it. “I whisper to the gods every single day. I’ve known Terry for a long time, being a part of Fox. Terry’s a legend. He’s an absolute legend. He won four Super Bowls. He’s had a legendary career in the media. But Terry, like a lot of people, doesn’t know me. And so, he’s got an idea of what he thinks about me based on what I’ve done, the documentary, what I’ve said, darkness retreat, whatever the hell you want to talk about. I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level. I feel like if he gave me a chance to get to know him, then we’d have a good friendship." He ended the answer by saying, "So, I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level if he’s open to it. And maybe we can go chew some bark or whatever the hell he’s talking about together.” The Steelers were in a pretty desperate quarterback situation this offseason after completely overhauling the position for a second year in a row. They missed out on the chance to re-sign Justin Fields, let Russell Wilson walk, missed out on every other veteran who changed teams and passed on the opportunity to select a quarterback near the top of a weak quarterback draft class. (They ultimately selected Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round.) The whole Rodgers saga has been quite a soap opera for the Steelers as they waited around for months while he decided on whether or not he wanted to play this season, and if he wanted to play for the Steelers. Add in the fact he has had a tendency to cause some off-field distractions with his comments and weekly "Pat McAfee Show" appearances, as well as the fact he will turn 42 years old this season and hasn't been a top-tier quarterback in three years, and a lot of Steelers fans — and former players — were put off by the idea. The only thing that will matter in the end, however, is how Rodgers plays on the field. He has said all of the right things since joining the team, and his new teammates have all spoken highly of him so far, but it will still come down to results on the field. The Steelers have not won a playoff game in eight years and are facing added pressure each year to end that drought. They are hoping Rodgers has one more good year in him to help them advance in the postseason.
Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
Eleven Toronto Maple Leafs players or prospects who could have breakout seasons
With most of the offseason’s action already in the rearview, a clearer shape of the league is coming into focus. This much is true for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who still harbour ambitions of adding a top-six forward. Questions about whether the team is better than last season will remain speculative, haunting a team that looks to reach higher than ever before. There is something to say about the Leafs change of style under GM Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube, about less talent and more functionality. Still, a big part of the Leafs hopes relies on players on their team improving. Let’s take a look at the Leafs system to see who might be more impactful for the Leafs this season than they were last year. Knies Although many would consider Matthew Knies a player who broke out last season, there might still be another level to his game. Naturally, growing confidence in his abilities and growing chemistry with Auston Matthews will help. Beyond that, there is certainly some upside to his production, scoring only five power play goals last season. It is important to acknowledge that Knies might not be able to replicate his 19.1% shooting percentage from last season. In all, he will have a good chance at breaking his career high of 29 goals, set last season. Entering his age-23 season, Knies has taken strides each season with the team. That trend will not continue forever, but entering the season as an entrenched member of the top power play unit, the best is still ahead for Knies. His power game is of great value to the Leafs, and with a new long-term deal in place, Knies should be a staple of the Leafs’ top-six until his contract expires in 2031. The Leafs might desire another winger of his style to truly complete their forward group. Given his growing reputation as a leader on the team, Knies has it in him to push for all-star nominations down the road, and perhaps even a spot on the American Olympic team. Team USA has a wealth of forward depth, so this season’s Olympics might be too soon. Maccelli After a tough 2024–25, hopes for Matias Maccelli are set at replicating his first two seasons in the NHL. Entering the final year of his deal, Maccelli will be motivated to recapture a regular spot in the top-nine forward group. His best seasons came in a defensive role, a checking third line alongside a power winger and a big, two-way centre. Fortunately for Maccelli, the Leafs have a great chance to replicate that dynamic alongside fellow newcomers Dakota Joshua and Nic Roy. Still, at 24 years old, Maccelli has before him a glorious opportunity to strive beyond that. The spot left behind by Mitch Marner on Matthews’ wing is expected to be filled by Max Domi, but his grasp is far from absolute. In all likelihood, Maccelli will get a chance to play on Matthews’ line, where his production might skyrocket. Cowan Perhaps one of the biggest X-factors for the Leafs is their top prospect, Easton Cowan. After a commanding OHL MVP performance in 2023–24, Cowan’s 2024–25 was more muted. Cowan was still a big factor for a great London Knights team, but his performances at the World Juniors and in Leafs training camp were less tantalizing. At worst, Cowan will be graduating to a key role with the Toronto Marlies, where a half-point per game rookie season would be a nice step. The upside, however, is much higher. Cowan might have the skill and ability to push both Domi and Maccelli for icetime in the long run. His playmaking and puck skills are crafty, but it will be a competitive edge that truly differentiates Cowan. As such, a dream scenario would be that Cowan is too good to deny a top-nine forward spot to. In all likelihood, it will be a tall task for Cowan to win such an important job right away. There will be plenty of fanfare in training camp, and the Leafs might give him a look in an opening-night spot. Injuries will happen, but the Leafs might find it beneficial for Cowan to get a glimpse in a handful of real NHL games. Alternatively, Cowan might be slow-played. It would be more decisive for the Leafs to make Cowan push his way up the depth chart, and after multiple seasons of dominating the OHL, the AHL might yet prove a worthy challenge for him to prove himself. This would hardly be an indictment of Cowan’s play, and perhaps a strong opening half to the AHL season might position him for a midseason call-up. Benoit At 26 years old, some fans might roll their eyes at the thought of Simon Benoit improving. Still, Benoit has continually improved over his time with the Leafs, even showing some raised confidence with the puck towards the end of last season. For a large, physical defenceman like Benoit, a little bit of on-puck contributions can go a long way. His passing might never reach the level of Chris Tanev, but Benoit showed some ability to skate with the puck. At times, fans might have even questioned why Benoit was in the lineup last season, but the coaching staff was rewarded for their commitment to him. The five other Leafs regulars on the blueline are of high quality, but Benoit might be able to close the gap. The Leafs’ pairings are fairly balanced, each with its own strengths. Ahead of Benoit’s third pairing with Oliver Ekman-Larsson are the defensive duo of Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev, as well as a pairing with more of an offensive lean with Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo. A step forward for Benoit might mean easing the load placed on the Rielly and Carlo pairing. It is likely that Benoit will always require a partner more adept with the puck, but the Leafs defence group can be elevated by individual improvement from him. Hildeby and Akhtyamov The Leafs should be comfortable with a strong tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Both sport lengthy injury histories, and unfortunately it is likely that one or both miss time with injury next season. Fortunately, the Leafs have two solid prospects who will seemingly continue their upward trajectory to turn to. Dennis Hildeby got into more games than expected last season. While there were some tough moments, the fact that Hildeby was able to manage any games over Matt Murray was ahead of schedule. Perhaps a regular NHL role will remain elusive, but the truth is that fans should be more confident about Hildeby starting some games again this coming season. Hildeby has a ton of positive traits, but has looked scattered and had issues tracking that keep some unsure of his upside. Akhtyamov, meanwhile, is the same age as Hildeby, and had similar results in the AHL last season. Some prefer the optics of his game over Hildeby’s, but both have proven enough that an NHL start in a pinch would not be entirely irresponsible. For both, another strong season in the AHL might be required before a shot at a regular NHL backup spot is realistic. Thrun The Leafs did not exactly give up a lot to acquire Henry Thrun, a left-shot defenceman, from the San Jose Sharks. At 24 years old, expectations for improvement might be muted as well. Still, the possibility that Thrun has his best hockey ahead of him exists. The Sharks did him no favours, as their blueline was and remains very thin. Not only did this force Thrun into regular play before his time, but it also left him without many quality teammates to rely on. On this basis alone, Thrun is poised for better results with the much better support that the Leafs provide. As more of a puck mover, Thrun might be the primary option to step in should Morgan Rielly or Oliver Ekman-Larsson miss time. That said, a chance to really thrive in the AHL might not be the worst thing for Thrun. Either way, Thrun joins a Leafs team with a ton of organizational depth at the blueline, and who will not have to force him into games before his time. Quillan Jacob Quillan had a nice rookie season in the AHL, appearing in one game for the Leafs last season as well. Entering his age-23 season, Quillan’s path to the NHL will rely more on his defensive abilities than his AHL production. There is a responsible and cerebral two-way forward within, and he has the inside lane for a midseason call-up. Perhaps Quillan is running out of runway to take off as a regular NHLer, but this season could represent a huge inflection point for his career. Without much fanfare, it is not impossible that Quillan could push for a spot in training camp. With Pontus Holmberg now with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Quillan could find himself on a similar journey seeping into the Leafs lineup. Haymes Signed out of the NCAA last season, Luke Haymes did quite well in his initial nine-game stint in the AHL. Entering his first full professional season and turning 22, he will look to build on his steep ascent. Haymes has the chance to blow past Quillan and other Marlies players if he can put together a strong first half of the season. Perhaps he can make an impression in training camp, enough that more seasoning in the AHL would inspire some confidence. It would not be a bad thing for Haymes to take a key role for the Marlies all season, positioning himself well to push for an NHL roster spot in 2026–27. Haymes might have more offensive upside and more physicality than Quillan, perhaps echoing some of what Fraser Minten provided the Leafs with last season. Groulx Bo Groulx has appeared in some NHL games, seeming overmatched with a weak Anaheim Ducks team last season. At 25 years old, he is more of a veteran at this point, having spent last season with the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate. Despite missing a good portion of the season, Groulx led his team in points per game and was an offensive focal point for his team. Offensive upside was never much of a thought for Groulx, who can bring some physicality and defence befitting of a bottom-six role, but the jump in production offers some hope. At the very least, Groulx represents a buoy for other hopefuls, like Haymes and Quillan, to pass. An injury call-up early in the season might be his best chance to see NHL action, as younger players should pass him by at some point. Webber Again with an older prospect, Cade Webber is one of Treliving’s earlier acquisitions. After his first full season with the Marlies, the tall, defensive left-shot looks to build his resume. Points will never be the way to measure Webber; however, a growing role in the AHL is still a significant step. At 24 years old, Webber is not a high-end prospect, but given his size and his play style, there might still be hope. Webber is offensively limited, but he could be a solid defensive presence in the NHL, a situational third-pairing defender. It is unlikely that Webber appears in an NHL game this coming season, save for injury emergencies, but a strong offseason could position him for the chance. Vincent Desharnais recently made a similar journey as a towering defensive option, going from an unheralded mid-20s prospect to a journeyman defensive option. The Leafs have the depth to go with other options if Webber is not ready, perhaps Marshall Rifai or Dakota Mermis, but it is not entirely out of the question that Webber begins to surface in such contemplations.
Aaron Rodgers had the worst possible start to Steelers camp
Aaron Rodgers made his practice debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, and it was not necessarily a moment he will want to remember. Rodgers’ very first pass was intercepted by linebacker Patrick Queen. The quarterback was trying to find top target DK Metcalf on a curl route, but was not quite accurate enough. Rodgers will not lose any sleep over this. It is not the first interception he has thrown in a practice session and it will not be the last. It did make for some amusing viewing for critics, though, and even some Steelers fans got a chuckle out of it. The Steelers are hoping Rodgers can lift them to at least a playoff win in 2025. If he succeeds, he is in line for a pretty big payday, and might even be able to go out on a high note if this is in fact his final NFL season. The other bright side to Rodgers’ inauspicious start to his Pittsburgh career? It will probably make Giants rookie Jaxson Dart feel a little bit better about his own first pass.
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