Chargers unfortunately center stage in NFL’s odd YouTube, MrBeast streamers promotion

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL isn’t having the best publicity run on the lead up to Week 1…and the Los Angeles Chargers are now sort of inviovled. 

First, it was the revelation that the beloved NFL RedZone with Scott Hanson will now have commercials. 

As if that weren’t bad enough, the NFL partnered with popular online streamers like MrBeast to promote the fact the Chargers’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday streams for free on YouTube. 

RELATED: Chargers head to Brazil as early underdogs vs. Chiefs in Week 1 NFL betting odds

The ad, featuring the likes of Roger Goodell, IShowSpeed and Sketch, runs for more than three minutes and loops in Chargers star Derwin James: 

The NFL has teamed up with MrBeast (and other YouTubers) to promote Friday night’s Chiefs–Chargers game, which will stream exclusively on YouTube.

This is what they came up with:pic.twitter.com/olmNjmUZum

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 3, 2025

RELATED: Najee Harris’ surprise Week 1 status impacts Omarion Hampton’s outlook for Chargers

Nothing is ever free and this certainly feels like one of those times. The Chargers not only lose one of their precious home games to this Week 1 overseas affair, they spotlight in stuff like this, too. 

Of course, the NFL is just trying to do its best to appeal to new fans around the globe. Business-wise, this makes a ton of sense. 

For those NFL fans already entrenched and especially for Chargers fans already not thrilled with a Friday game and one less home game (especially against the Chiefs, of all teams), though, it’s enough to close any social media apps carrying the promotion.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

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