Bentley Green Sounds Off- On Where 2022 Super Bowl Commercial With Lakers’ LeBron James Ranks As Career Accomplishments
In a much-anticipated Super Bowl ad in 2022, a powerful narrative unfolded, capturing the essence of bravery and the impact of pivotal decisions. The commercial, titled “Fortune Favors the Brave,” featured a teenage LeBron James portrayed by the talented actor Bentley Green, who had the unique opportunity to converse with his older self about the future.
The ad, bearing a tagline reminiscent of a recent controversial campaign featuring Matt Damon, showcased the company’s unyielding commitment to its message. The brand seemed determined to double down on the tagline, believing in its ability to resonate with audiences across their entire advertising campaign.
Ben Lay, the creative director for Crypto.com, shared his perspective on the commercial’s underlying theme in a behind-the-scenes video. He emphasized that the story was a reflection of humanity as a whole, capturing the courage required to make significant decisions that shape our future. Lay also praised LeBron James as a transcendent figure who exudes relatable humanity, serving as an inspiration to build a better version of the internet and inspiring a new generation of creators.
“At its core, this is really a story about all of us. We’ve all had to make these big courageous decisions that affect our future,” Ben Lay, creative director for Crypto.com, said in the behind-the-scenes video, adding that James “is such a transcendent figure, but yet at the same time he brings this humanity that we can all relate to. Together, we’re inspiring a new generation of builders to create a better version of the internet.”
To recreate LeBron James’ past, the director of the commercial, Calmatic, meticulously constructed a set resembling the NBA superstar’s childhood room. Every detail, from the decor to the references to Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, where James embarked on his remarkable journey, was meticulously captured. In an Instagram video, Calmatic revealed the process of discovering and casting Bentley Green for the role of the younger James. Recognizing Green’s striking resemblance to the younger LeBron James while watching him on the FX show “Snowfall,” Calmatic believed he had found the perfect actor to bring the teenage LeBron to life.
The Super Bowl ad unfolded with a poignant conversation between the younger and older LeBron James, showcasing the weight of choices and the bravery required to forge a path to success. The commercial aimed to inspire viewers, highlighting the importance of embracing opportunities and facing challenges head-on.
As the ad concluded, it left audiences captivated and reflective. The narrative of bravery and decision-making resonated deeply, reminding viewers of their own pivotal moments and the impact of their choices.
Beyond the Super Bowl ad’s entertainment value, it represented a larger message about human potential and the ability to shape one’s destiny. The combination of Bentley Green’s compelling portrayal, the meticulous set design, and the powerful script left an indelible mark on viewers.
In a recent interview with LandonBuford.com, Bentley shared where the 2022 Super Bowl Commercial ranked on career accomplishments.
“LeBron to the masses is changing the narrative because Bron continues to do unthinkable things, which you know people can’t fathom [doing]. Bron has always been my Mike,” said Green.
“So, it was wild, and being with Bron for 8 or 10 hours, I could ask him any question I wanted, and he was open to answering it. Given phenomenal advice, it was great; it probably ranks number one… It showed me how many things are possible and how you can truly accomplish anything. “
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
