Rams Celebrate NFL Draft with 'Friday'-Inspired Hype Video

Iconic comedy stars Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, and Terry Crews join Rams players in a nostalgic LA-themed promo.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting various elements from the Rams' 'Friday'-inspired NFL Draft hype video, including the key characters and football players, without any identifiable faces or logos, conveying the energy and excitement of the promo.The Rams' nostalgic and comedic approach to promoting the NFL Draft taps into the team's local culture and broader pop culture appeal.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Rams have released a three-minute mini-film titled 'Thursday' ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft, drawing inspiration from the 1995 cult classic 'Friday.' The video features appearances from actors O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker as modern versions of the film's main characters, as well as cameos from Terry Crews, YG, and Rams players. The Rams' hype video blends football anticipation with LA culture, nostalgia, and comedy to build excitement for draft night.

Why it matters

The Rams' creative approach to promoting the NFL Draft taps into the team's local fanbase and the broader pop culture appeal of the 'Friday' franchise. By incorporating recognizable actors and Rams players, the video aims to engage both casual and diehard fans in the lead-up to the draft.

The details

The 'Thursday' video features several nods to the original 'Friday' film, including Terry Crews' parody of the 'What chain?' scene and YG appearing in full character. The Rams also blend in current players like Jared Verse and Byron Young, as well as guard Kevin Dotson channeling the 'Big Worm' energy from the movie. The video builds towards the message that 'a lot can happen between Thursday and Saturday' during the draft.

  • The Rams released the 'Thursday' hype video on April 17, 2026, ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.

The players

O'Shea Jackson Jr.

An actor who portrays a modern version of the character Craig from the 'Friday' film franchise in the Rams' hype video.

Destin Tucker

An actor who portrays a modern version of the character Smokey from the 'Friday' film franchise in the Rams' hype video.

Terry Crews

An actor who appears in the Rams' hype video, recreating a parody of the 'What chain?' scene from 'Friday.'

Jared Verse

A Rams linebacker who appears in the 'Thursday' hype video.

Byron Young

A Rams linebacker who appears in the 'Thursday' hype video.

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What they’re saying

“This Thursday is going to make our whole season.”

— Destin Tucker, Actor

“We got the Draft soon... we got s*** to do!”

— O'Shea Jackson Jr., Actor

What’s next

The Rams will look to continue building hype and anticipation for the upcoming NFL Draft, which will take place in Los Angeles this year.

The takeaway

The Rams' creative 'Friday'-inspired hype video showcases the team's ability to connect with its local fanbase and broader pop culture audience, blending football, comedy, and LA culture to generate excitement for the NFL Draft.