Pfizer is kicking off the next stage of its cancer awareness program by teaming up with quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Back in February, Pfizer turned to one of the most iconic pep talks of all time as inspiration for its latest campaign. The effort took shape in an ad that debuted on World Cancer Day and borrowed several snippets from the rousing speech delivered by Al Pacino’s Coach Tony D’Amato in the 1999 sports drama Any Given Sunday.
Building on D’Amato’s declaration that both football and life are a “game of inches,” Pfizer’s core message argues that cancer is, too.
Now, two months after the launch, Pfizer has tapped Fernando Mendoza to help further spread the message.
In an Instagram post, he wrote: “In football, I know every inch matters. The same is true for the fight against cancer. I’m proud to partner with Pfizer to remind everyone that early detection makes all the difference. Talk to your doctor and schedule your cancer screenings at PfizerForAll.com/Screenings.”
A new ad with similar messaging also began running this week, comparing how athletes like Mendoza have to “show up” every day to win with the same ethos embraced by Pfizer scientists and doctors in the fight against cancer.
The campaign reinforces the U.S. drugmaker’s broader push to encourage more people to sign up for screenings that can detect cancers earlier, when they are often more treatable.
Pfizer markets several cancer products, including Ibrance for breast cancer, Xtandi for prostate cancer and Inlyta for kidney cancer, among others.
For drugmakers, increased screening can identify more cancers earlier and potentially expand the number of patients eligible for the medicines they sell.
The Las Vegas Raiders selected 22-year-old Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday. He had been considered the favorite to go first overall after winning the Heisman Trophy last season.
Earlier this week, he also announced the launch of the Mendoza Family Fund in partnership with the National MS Society. His mother, Elsa, has been diagnosed with the condition.
This is not Pfizer’s first foray into football. In 2023, the company also teamed up with Travis Kelce for a vaccine campaign.
Earlier this month, Pfizer also signed actor, producer and artist Lucy Liu, who took to Instagram to encourage people to get screened for cancer.