DURANT, OKLA. (May 12, 2025) — Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has unveiled its latest commercial featuring an all-star lineup of North Texas sports legends—Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez — together on screen for the first time. The thirty-second spot is the newest installment of Choctaw’s “Where the Players Play” campaign and showcases a lighthearted, comedic take on what happens when four icons can’t quite agree on game plans at the resort.
The commercial, filmed on location at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, highlights the natural chemistry and competitive banter between the athletes—each of whom represents the very best of their sport and community. Though each star has appeared in their own Choctaw commercials over the past year, this is the first time all four have teamed up for a joint campaign effort.
“This commercial is such a fun celebration of our athlete ambassadors and the relationships we’ve built with them over the past years,” said Erica Kosemund, Chief Brand Officer for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts. “Bringing Troy, Emmitt, Darren, and Pudge together gave us the perfect opportunity to lean into their personalities, camaraderie, and love for competition—on and off the field. It’s a true honor to have these legends representing the Choctaw brand.”
The spot builds on Choctaw’s momentum as a growing force in the sports marketing landscape. Since 2017, the brand has increased its presence in North Texas sports partnerships by more than 1000%, aligning with the region’s most iconic teams and athletes, including official partnerships with the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and beginning in 2025, the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, among others.
The “Where the Players Play” campaign continues to cement Choctaw Casinos & Resorts as a premier destination for sports fans, gamers, and entertainment seekers across the region. The new commercial will begin airing regionally in May across broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
Click here to view the commercial and behind-the-scenes content www.choctawcasinos.com.