spot_imgspot_img

Josh Shapiro and Jason Kelce as ‘Odd Couple’ that wasn’t

(The Center Square) — In May, Gov. Josh Shapiro embarked on a weeklong family RV trip to promote the state’s new tourism brand, “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway.”

Speaking at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders baseball stadium, the governor wanted to show off “the opportunity we have when it comes to tourism and when it comes to economic development.”

With stops in Philadelphia to promote urban tourism and lake visits to boost outdoor recreation, Shapiro emphasized tourism as a central part of his administration’s economic development strategy.

As emails from the governor’s office obtained in a public records request show, though, there was one appearance the governor didn’t make, but did consider: on camera with retired Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce.

A draft, floated by Jacklin Rhoads, director of public affairs and marketing for the governor’s office, laid out an “Odd Couple of PA”-style video in an April 8 email.

“Jason Kelce and Josh Shapiro love to enjoy all Pennsylvania has to offer, are interested in the same things, but experience them in much different ways,” Rhoads noted in a concept overview. The video would have been “meant to be humorous and showcase PA’s eclectic tourism offerings.”

The video never happened, though other tourism videos were produced, one narrated by Broad City actress Abbi Jacobson.

The draft script would have featured Kelce and Shapiro bantering in a variety of Pennsylvania-themed locales.

The commercial would have opened at a Pennsylvania state park: “Ah, Pennsylvania,” Shapiro says, roasting a marshmallow, Kelce chopping wood, “where (it) all started. I think this fire could be hotter,” to Kelce.

The pair would then go hiking as Kelce takes the lead and the governor lags behind in a sweat. They would also be seen fly fishing, “Shapiro in traditional waders, waiting for a fish, Kelce catching fish with his bare hands — ‘that’s six for me!’”

Later, they would be seen in a sports bar fighting over each other’s food.

Walking down the main street in a small town, a passerby would throw out a “Go Birds” to the duo, prompting Shapiro to ask Kelce, “Have you been here before?”

Finishing the TV spot, they would end up in a race up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Shapiro wins and Kelce cracks open a Pennsylvania-brewed beer to settle the lost bet.

“Wraps: This is Pennsylvania. The Great American Getaway. Plan yours now. Gov. and Kelce cheers beers. Kelce chugs beer,” the draft script reads.

It’s not clear why the ad wasn’t made. Shapiro’s office declined to comment.

Kelce’s side, though, was initially interested in the idea of a commercial.

“Will be discussing with Jason this week,” a spokeswoman for Kelce wrote before receiving the draft. “He really likes the governor, but tries to stay out of anything political (even though this is about how great the state is!).”

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Report: Ohio mortgage rates increasing more than other states

(The Center Square) – Ohio’s average mortgage rate is...

GOP county clerks assure Michigan voters of election integrity, safeguards

(The Center Square) – Republican local election officials and...

Louisiana lawmakers hold first of two days of hearings on tax reform

(The Center Square) — On Tuesday, the House Ways...

Rivian production lines reduced due to supply shortage

(The Center Square) – Rivian production lines have reduced...

Georgia’s high school graduation rate improves

(The Center Square) – Georgia's high school graduation rate...

Dodgers starting pitcher robbed of $100K watch while at horse race track

(The Center Square) - Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler...

Heat ‘distress’ leads to migrant rescue in Yuma Sector

(The Center Square) – Migrants in the Yuma sector...

Deficit nears $2 trillion as lawmakers borrow $5 billion per day

(The Center Square) – The U.S. annual deficit is...

More like this
Related

Report: Ohio mortgage rates increasing more than other states

(The Center Square) – Ohio’s average mortgage rate is...

GOP county clerks assure Michigan voters of election integrity, safeguards

(The Center Square) – Republican local election officials and...

Louisiana lawmakers hold first of two days of hearings on tax reform

(The Center Square) — On Tuesday, the House Ways...

Rivian production lines reduced due to supply shortage

(The Center Square) – Rivian production lines have reduced...