Bud Light & Budweiser Recruit Emmitt Smith and Ken Griffey Jr. For “Grill Like A Pro” Campaign

Introducing the official sport of summer: Bud Light and Budweiser are taking grilling to the big leagues with an all-new “Grilling Live” spot, limited-edition cans, and the chance for fans to grill with the pros

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15, 2025 - Time to huddle up and get the equipment ready because grilling season is officially here, and Bud Light and Budweiser have joined forces to take it to the big leagues this summer. The two beloved beer brands synonymous with summer, sports and backyard fun are coming together to celebrate the official sport of the season with “Grill Like a Pro.” This new campaign brings together the best in the game, from exclusively partnering with sports powerhouse ESPN featuring new creative starring NFL icon Emmitt Smith, to debuting limited-edition patriotic packaging just in time for summer, to the ultimate grilling experience with sports pro Ken Griffey Jr. at Traeger Grills HQ. zzubreebym

“Bud Light and Budweiser are two staples of summertime backyard hangs, and we know our fans take great pride in their grilling skills. It felt right to team up and raise the heat on the official backyard sport - with the help of some real-life pros in longtime brand partners in Emmitt Smith and Ken Griffey Jr.,” said SVP of Bud Light and Budweiser, Todd Allen.

Bud Light and Budweiser Report Live From the Grill with ESPN

Bud Light and Budweiser are also partnering with the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, ESPN, to debut a new 30-second “Grilling Live” spot featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith alongside well-known ESPN sportscasters Mike Greenberg and Eduardo Perez as they report live from a remote broadcast desk at a backyard BBQ. Celebrating the competitive nature of summer grilling, the sports icons trade game-day commentary for grilling play-by-plays, offer their analysis from behind the desk, and interview contestants and aspiring grillmasters as they showcase their skills in the ultimate backyard showdown.

“I’ve competed at the highest level, but nothing beats getting behind the grill every summer with a Bud Light in hand,” said Smith. “I got to bring that expertise to the broadcast booth alongside ESPN legends Mike Greenberg and Eduardo Perez to showcase how we can all Grill Like A Pro. Catch us on ESPN all summer long, making grilling easy with help from our friends at Bud Light.”

Double Header: Limited-Edition Bud Light and Budweiser Packaging

For a limited time this summer, Bud Light and Budweiser are releasing bold, limited-edition patriotic packaging as part of their long-standing partnership with Folds of Honor. Featured prominently across the “Grill Like a Pro” campaign, the refreshed cans and cases bring a striking red, white, and blue design to backyard BBQs and summer gatherings nationwide. More than just a seasonal look, a portion of proceeds from these packs will go to Folds of Honor to fund educational scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders, continuing Anheuser-Busch’s long-term commitment to supporting those who serve.** Over the last 15 years, Anheuser-Busch, its industry-leading brands, and wholesaler partners have donated over $33 million, which has funded over 6,600 scholarships for Folds of Honor recipients.

To learn more about the “Grill Like a Pro” campaign, visit budlight.com/grilllikeapro and be sure to keep an eye on Bud Light and Budweiser socials as Smith and Griffey will be breaking down their tips and tricks at the grill and sharing their favorite ways to enjoy summer.

Grill Like a Pro, With a Sports Pro

Bud Light and Budweiser are providing 21+ fans with an opportunity to score the ultimate VIP grilling experience with baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. at Traeger Grills HQ in Salt Lake City, UT, for an unforgettable day of cooking over ice-cold beers with a sports icon. Bud Light and Budweiser will also give away $1 million in beer money and grilling gear throughout the summer. Fans 21+ can enter either in-store through the dedicated QR code, or on Bud Light and Budweiser’s dedicated social “Grill Like a Pro” posts.*

** $0.02 per case equivalent for all Bud Light and Budweiser Patriotic Packaging sold from 5/1 – 7/31, max donation of $800,000. Case = 24 pack Patriotic pack case equivalent

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ABOUT BUD LIGHT

The Bud Light brand name represents a family of products including Bud Light and Bud Light Seltzer, each crafted for a refreshingly easy drinking experience. Since 1982, Bud Light products have captivated the senses and set the standard for enjoyment, consistently delivering a clean, crisp taste. Bud Light remains as the number 1 beer brand in volume sales (Circana MULC) with its premium American light lager, always brewed with four simple ingredients, that represents the pinnacle of quality and flavor. For more information about Bud Light and our full family of products, visit www.BudLight.com.

ABOUT BUDWEISER

Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States' first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp beer with layers of premium American hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including "kraeusening" for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As a leading American manufacturer and the nation’s top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

ABOUT FOLDS OF HONOR

Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of US military service members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country and communities. Our educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate, or professional program. Funds for a second bachelor’s degree or trade/technical program certification are also available. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 45 percent are minorities. A total of 91 percent of expenses fund our mission of providing educational scholarships to the families of our nation’s heroes. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on Candid. It was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot (with three combat tours in Iraq) and PGA Professional. He is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship visit foldsofhonor.org.