McNabb bashers might enjoy new ad

Getting shipped off to a new team might help the endorsement prospects of ex-Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

"While we're not sure of how he'll do on the field, off the field, his revival has already begun," wrote Jeff Lefton of the Sports Business Journal earlier this week.

McNabb's star might also be the brightest now among athletes in D.C., where he'll start for the Redskins, blogged Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post today.

The prime example is a new Dr Pepper ad, shot last month, in which Michael Strahan, the New York Giants defensive end turned Fox sports analyst and flopped sitcom star, relives a bit of his glory days.

It's supposed to make viewers smile - but a cynic might suggest Philly fans who bashed McNabb might get a special thrill.

"Are things different now that I'm not crushing quarterbacks every Sunday? Eh, a little bit," says a soft-drink holding Strahan as he saves a caterpillar, then lifts an ice cream truck, so its operator can change a flat.

Apparently, he's now Mr. Nice Guy.

"But I'm still Michael Strahan, so I love Dr Pepper," he continues. "The taste of these 23 flavors can never be equalled - like me."

Next he seems to do a favor for a pizza delivery boy in frontof a mansion. Strahan says, "I got it," then, holding the pizza, knocks on the door.

Apparently it's McNabb's mansion.

"Mike?" he says.

"Hey!" says Strahan, handing over the pizza.

"What in the ..???!" McNabb yelps.

That's when Strahan sacks McNabb, smashing a table and a vase of flowers in the process.

"WHOOOO!" yells Strahan, jumping up and power-flexing his arms upward.

"C'mon, Mike, man!" McNabb says, wearily trying to rise.

"Nice hit!" says the maid, handing Strahan a Dr Pepper.

Actually, this isn't the first time McNabb's taken a hit for a sponsor. Last fall, he was in an iHOP, wearing an apron and waiting on customers, when a waitress tackles him, jumps up and yells, "That's MY table, McNabb!"

To see the new video, click the link at right.