If you grew up quoting every line of the cult classic ‘Friday’, you might want to sit down for this one. The Los Angeles Rams just dropped their NFL Draft promo, and it is a total nostalgia trip that has social media in a frenzy.
Titled ‘Thursday’, the high-production short film stars O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker—the actual sons of original stars Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. The duo stepped into their fathers’ legendary roles of Craig and Smokey, and the resemblance is nothing short of uncanny.
The promo, which hit all Rams digital and social platforms today, serves as a hype video for the upcoming NFL Draft. Fans on X and TikTok are already calling it the “marketing move of the year,” praising the team for capturing the true spirit of Los Angeles culture.
A Walk Down Memory Lane in West Athens
This was not just a simple parody; the production went all out for authenticity. The Rams and their agency partners at TBWAChiatDay LA actually filmed at the original house from the movie, located in the West Athens neighborhood near SoFi Stadium.
Seeing O’Shea and Destin sitting on that iconic porch brought back a flood of memories for fans. “I had to double take! I thought I was watching the original movie for a second,” one fan commented on Instagram. “The genetics are strong with this one!”
The short film also features a star-studded supporting cast, including Terry Crews, YG, and Rams players like Jared Verse and Byron Young. Even legendary LA radio host Big Boy makes an appearance to round out the tribute to the city.
Celebrating LA Culture
While the original movie followed two friends trying to find dollars to pay off a local bully, ‘Thursday’ focuses on the high-stakes anticipation of the NFL Draft. Rams Chief Marketing Officer Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick explained that the project is a love letter to their home city.
“Friday is more than a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone,” Frederick said. “By reimagining it through Thursday, tying it to the draft, and connecting it to real fan experiences across the city, we’re creating something that truly represents LA.”
O’Shea Jackson Jr. is no stranger to playing his dad, having famously portrayed Ice Cube in ‘Straight Outta Compton’. Destin Tucker, an actor and musician, brought the same manic energy to Smokey that made his father a superstar three decades ago.
More Than Just a Video
The viral ‘Thursday’ clip is just the beginning of the Rams’ Draft festivities. The team is going all-in with the “Zillow Draft House” pop-up in Hollywood Park, featuring a branded living room and a mini turf football field for fans to enjoy.
From April -, the Rams will also host a massive Block Party with carnival rides and live draft coverage, with proceeds going toward the Rams Foundation.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the conversation online remains focused on how perfectly O’Shea and Destin captured their fathers’ chemistry. With thousands of shares across TikTok and X, ‘Thursday’ has officially become the viral moment to beat this draft season. We’ll just have to wait and see if the Rams’ actual draft picks are as successful as this casting choice!
