Woody and Buzz Lightyear are officially joining the journey to the Super Bowl.
Disney and ESPN are continuing to build excitement for Super Bowl LXI, and the latest chapter in that effort brings together two worlds that don’t usually share the same field: NFL football and Toy Story.
ESPN has unveiled a new animated commercial that ties into Disney and Pixar’s upcoming Toy Story 5, blending beloved Pixar characters with ESPN personalities, NFL legends, and the network’s ongoing push toward its first-ever Super Bowl broadcast.
The newest installment of ESPN’s “We’re Going” campaign is set to debut during Game 1 of the NBA Finals and serves as the latest entry in the network’s yearlong buildup to Super Bowl LXI.
The animated spot, titled “Toy Story 5.5,” taps into the world of Disney and Pixar’s upcoming film while continuing ESPN’s “Year of the Super Bowl” celebration. The campaign is designed to keep fans engaged throughout the year as all roads lead to Los Angeles and Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
Woody and Buzz Join ESPN Personalities
Promotional images released from the commercial show Woody and Buzz Lightyear joining a cast of toy-sized ESPN personalities and NFL stars on a journey connected to Super Bowl LXI.
The spot features animated versions and action figures of several familiar ESPN and football personalities, including Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Randy Moss, Jason Kelce, Pat McAfee, and Adam Schefter.
The commercial also includes ESPN mascot App-E.
In addition, ESPN’s official announcement revealed animated versions of Super Bowl broadcast team members Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters. Laura Rutledge and NFL analyst Marcus Spears also appear in the commercial’s opening sequence.
The Toys Come to Life
The commercial fully embraces one of Toy Story’s most recognizable concepts: toys springing to life when humans aren’t paying attention.
The spot opens with Laura Rutledge and Marcus Spears discussing why the toy action figures aren’t being packed for the trip to Los Angeles. The reasoning? The toys need to stay behind and “hold the fort down” while everyone else heads to Super Bowl LXI.
Of course, the toys have other plans.
In true Toy Story fashion, the figures come to life and begin their own cross-country adventure from Bristol, Connecticut, to Los Angeles, traveling alongside Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends.
Part of ESPN’s ‘Year of the Super Bowl’
The commercial is just one piece of Disney and ESPN’s broader “Year of the Super Bowl” initiative. The campaign was created to celebrate ESPN’s first Super Bowl broadcast and build anticipation throughout the year leading up to the big game.
“Toy Story 5.5” marks the third installment in the “We’re Going” campaign.
The first commercial debuted immediately after the previous Super Bowl and focused on Disney’s company-wide effort behind Super Bowl LXI.
The second installment, titled “On the Clock,” premiered during the NFL Draft and featured NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing ESPN as the selection for Super Bowl LXI coverage.
More Super Bowl Experiences Are on the Way
The campaign extends beyond commercials.
Disney and ESPN are also preparing experiences tied to the Year of the Super Bowl initiative, including ESPN Beach, a major fan destination planned for Santa Monica during Super Bowl week.
The venue is expected to feature ESPN broadcasts, entertainment, fan activities, and Disney-themed experience all leading up to Super Bowl LXI.
Toy Story 5 Arrives This Summer
The crossover also serves as another promotional push for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, which arrives exclusively in theaters on June 19, 2026.
The film reunites Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of Bonnie’s toys in a new story centered around “Toy meets Tech.” The toys face a new challenge when a tablet device named Lilypad arrives with her own ideas about what is best for Bonnie.
The movie is directed by Academy Award winner Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, and features a score from Randy Newman, who returns for his fifth Toy Story feature film.
Whether you’re a football fan, a Pixar fan, or both, it’s hard not to smile at the idea of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Peyton Manning, Jason Kelce, and Pat McAfee all sharing the same adventure.
Be sure to check back soon for more Disney entertainment news, Toy Story 5 updates, Disney Parks coverage, Disney+ announcements, ESPN developments, and everything happening across the world of Disney and beyond.
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