FanDuel pays emotional tribute to Carl Weathers after it had to adjust Super Bowl ad featuring the Apollo Creed actor when he died ten days ago: Rob Gronkowski says ‘you gave us your all’

FanDuel paid a touching tribute to the late Carl Weathers in their Super Bowl commercial, after the company had to adjust the ad following his death.

The star, famous for playing Rocky Balboa’s opponent and boxing mentor Apollo Creed in four Rocky films, died “peacefully in his sleep” on February 1.

Before his death, the 76-year-old had already shot a Super Bowl ad for the company with football legend Rob Gronkowski.

The ad concluded with an on-screen image next to a crossed Weathers that read, “Thanks, Carl 1948-2024.”

FanDuel confirmed last week that they would be changing the commercial following the actor’s death.

In a statement, they said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Carl Weathers.

“Throughout his life, Carl was an iconic talent who had a profound impact on the people he worked with, both on and off screen.

“FanDuel was fortunate to work with him during our Super Bowl campaign.

‘We are adapting our campaign accordingly, out of respect for the family in their mourning period.’

In a teaser for the ad released three weeks ago, Gronkowski is seen trudging through the desert in his NFL uniform, with a matted mane and beard.

Filled with regret at missing a gambling opportunity during last year’s Super Bowl, he decides to visit “the land of second chances – Vegas.”

“And this time you won’t miss it,” Weathers says, pulling up next to him on a motorcycle and welcoming Gronkowski into his sidecar. ‘Get in.’

The ad, which aired Sunday, shows Gronkowski attempting a “kick of destiny” that he misses before switching to a somber Weathers who had been acting as his trainer.

The star, famous for playing Rocky Balboa’s opponent and boxing mentor Apollo Creed in four Rocky films, died “peacefully in his sleep” on February 1.

Weathers became famous worldwide for playing world champion Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky. He can be seen here next to actor Sylvester Stallone

Creed gave ‘Italian Stallion’ underdog Rocky, Stallone, his shot at the title in the iconic film

Andrew Sneyd, executive vice president of marketing for FanDuel, said Variety: ‘The family has supported us enormously and they still want to see Carl at work.

‘We really enjoyed the short time we had the opportunity to work with him. He’s an amazing man and he’s really an inspiration and he had such a positive view of the world. We want to make sure that we try to meet this moment with the respect that it deserves.”

On Friday, Weathers’ cause of death revealed that the actor had died of “atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” after suffering from the heart condition for years.

In a statement released after his death, his family called him an “exceptional human being.”

Weathers rose to worldwide fame playing world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was another celebrity who shared a tribute to Weathers on social media; seen with Carl in 2016 in NYC

Creed gave ‘Italian Stallion’ underdog Rocky, Sylvester Stallone, his shot at the title in the iconic film.

He would reprise his role in the next three films in the franchise, before his character was murdered in the ring by Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago.

His character also provided the storyline for the critically acclaimed Rocky spin-off film series Creed, starring Michael B. Jordan as Apollo’s son and boxer Adonis Creed.

He is survived by sons Jason and Matthew whom he shared with ex-wife Mary Ann Castle and his grandchildren.

Stars including his Rocky co-star Stallone and his Predator co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger were among those who paid tribute to Weathers.