After last night’s exciting Super Bowl game, people are buzzing about more than just the on-field action. From Usher’s electrifying halftime performance to Taylor Swift showing support for her boyfriend Travis Kelce, there was no shortage of off-field spectacles. But one commercial featuring Mark Wahlberg caught everyone’s attention and left some feeling a bit embarrassed.
Mark Wahlberg, known for his unwavering faith and strong character, has been open about the role that religion plays in his life. In a statement last year, he expressed his commitment to his faith, saying, “I don’t intend to impose my beliefs on others, but I refuse to deny my faith. That, to me, would be a greater disservice.”
Given his vocal support for his faith, it was not surprising when Wahlberg appeared in a commercial during the Super Bowl to promote the Catholic app Hallow. In the commercial, Wahlberg began with a prayer, saying, “God, we take this moment just to give You thanks.” The big screen in the arena displayed a message inviting over 100 million people to join in prayer during Super Bowl LVIII.
According to Hallow co-founder and CEO Alex Jones, the aim of the commercial was to reach out to both faithful individuals and those who may have strayed from their religious beliefs. They saw the Super Bowl as a unique opportunity to invite millions of viewers into a deeper connection with God. Since its launch in 2018, the Hallow app has gained popularity by offering on-the-go prayer.
However, not everyone was impressed with Wahlberg’s commercial and the app’s promotion. Some online comments criticized the ad and Wahlberg’s involvement, with one person sarcastically congratulating him for not embarrassing Boston as much as Ben Affleck did during the Super Bowl. Another person ranked the ad as one of the weirdest commercials of the night. And yet another expressed surprise at hearing Wahlberg say, “stay prayed up.”
With mixed reactions circulating online, it’s clear that Wahlberg’s Super Bowl appearance has generated quite a buzz. Whether you saw the commercial or not, it raises questions about the intersection of celebrity endorsement, faith promotion, and mainstream entertainment. What are your thoughts on Wahlberg’s involvement? Did the commercial resonate with you?
