BROCK PURDY
LEADS SEARCH FOR JOHN DEERE CHIEF TRACTOR OFFICER IN AD
You can be the next chief tractor officer of John Deere, which is not only a real job, but you’ll also be helping out 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The former Iowa State University college football player starred in a new commercial from the agricultural machinery manufacturer about the available position.
In it, he climbs into a tractor to embark on a cross-country trip to find the next CFO for John Deere. Joining him in the tractor is 49ers teammate Colton McKivitz.
But right as they start moving, Purdy gets a video call from Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers basketball player who is also a former Iowa State basketball star.
He wants the job.
“We went to college together and you know we have that connection,” Haliburton told Purdy.
But so does Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, who interrupts Purdy and McKivitz’s second attempt at travel in another video call. Douglas also spent time in Iowa training before the 2012 Olympics at Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines.
That’s how the commercial continues, with appearances by tennis player Anna Frey, TikTok personality Corporate Natalie, the “Corn Kid” from the viral video and other social media stars vying for the position.
The commercial was filmed in San Fransciso. Purdy shared during the “Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday how he scared off a coyote stalking a woman and her dog during filming for the commercial.
Purdy also has experience operating John Deere tractors. His now-wife, Jenna, posted video of Purdy driving a combine on her family’s farm during harvest in November. The couple wed in a ceremony in Des Moines in March.
What is the John Deere chief tractor officer role that Anna Frey and more celebrities want?
The CTO will be a “witty and charismatic content creator” that will help John Deere “celebrate farmers, contractors, groundskeepers and brand fans,” the company announced in a news release on April 16.
Your work day could take you to stadiums and sports-related landmarks to Yellowstone National Park, according to the news release.
“Behind every part of our daily lives — from your breakfast, to your clothes, to the roads you drive on — there are unsung heroes behind the scenes with a story to tell,” said Jen Hartmann, global director of strategic public relations and enterprise social media in the release. “The role of the Chief Tractor Officer isn’t just about creating content, it’s about creating compelling stories about the people and industries supporting all of us.”
How can I apply to be the John Deere chief tractor officer?
Submit a short form video at johndeereCTO.com. The deadline is April 29. Candidates are encouraged to publish their entries to TikTok and Instagram and tag @JohnDeere.
“Behind every part of our daily lives — from your breakfast, to your clothes, to the roads you drive on — there are unsung heroes behind the scenes with a story to tell.” Jen Hartmann global director of strategic public relations and enterprise social media