For years, Chase Elliott has enjoyed flying under the radar, avoiding the celebrity spotlight that often follows NASCAR’s biggest stars. But that narrative just took a major turn.
At the 2025 Super Bowl, Elliott made his presence loud and clear, earning a major shout-out from the NFL—a move that wildly contrasts how the league treated another NASCAR legend, Kevin Harvick, just weeks earlier.
Elliott Embraces the NFL Limelight—Harvick Left in the Shadows
The NFL tipped its hat to Chase Elliott, honoring the 2020 Cup Series champion with a huge on-screen recognition during the Super Bowl. A massive stadium display read:
📌 “Chase Elliott, 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.”
A NASCAR fan quickly caught the moment and posted it to Twitter (X), highlighting Elliott’s prime-time NFL moment.
But here’s the biggest twist—this wasn’t just random appreciation from the NFL. Elliott is taking NASCAR’s new promotional incentives seriously, as the series is reportedly paying drivers anywhere from tens of thousands to $1 million to boost their visibility at major events.
Meanwhile, Kevin Harvick—one of NASCAR’s biggest legends—was completely ignored by the NFL just two months earlier.
Harvick and his son Keelan attended an NFC matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Despite Harvick being a NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Keelan being a rising motorsports talent, the NFL’s official video from the game completely overlooked them. Instead, they highlighted Panthers safety Sam Franklin Jr. doing a handshake with a “special fan”, with no mention of Harvick’s legacy.
The fan outrage was immediate—NASCAR loyalists flooded social media, slamming the NFL for snubbing one of racing’s all-time greats.
Now, with Elliott getting a star treatment at the Super Bowl, the question must be asked: Why does Chase Elliott get the spotlight while Kevin Harvick was left in the dark?
The Debate: Did NASCAR Push Elliott Over Harvick?
There’s no denying that Chase Elliott is the face of NASCAR’s new marketing push. He’s been voted Most Popular Driver for years, and NASCAR’s new media strategy is rewarding drivers who engage with promotional opportunities.
✅ Elliott’s Super Bowl appearance aligns with NASCAR’s new incentive program
✅ He played along with NFL media, openly rooting for the Eagles
✅ He’s a current driver, while Harvick has moved into broadcasting
Meanwhile, Harvick—who retired at the end of 2023—is no longer the focus of NASCAR’s marketing machine.
However, that doesn’t sit well with his loyal fanbase, who believe that Harvick’s legacy deserves better treatment.
Elliott’s Super Bowl Prediction Pays Off
Beyond his Super Bowl spotlight, Elliott played the part of a true NFL fan, even making a game prediction.
Before kickoff, he backed the Philadelphia Eagles, saying:
🗣️ “The [Kansas City Chiefs] are always tough, but I’m pulling for the Eagles. I’d like to see them win. [Jalen Hurts] seems like a stand-up leader and individual, somebody that I think everybody can admire.”
And wouldn’t you know it? Elliott’s prediction came true—the Eagles pulled off the win, securing the Super Bowl title.
Final Takeaway: Elliott Steps Up, Harvick Fades Out?
While Chase Elliott continues to rise as NASCAR’s most visible star, the NFL’s treatment of Kevin Harvick raises serious questions about how the sport’s past legends are acknowledged.
Did NASCAR push Elliott into the spotlight while letting Harvick’s moment slip away? Or is this simply the difference between an active star and a retired champion?
One thing’s for sure—not all NASCAR legends are getting the same love, and fans have taken notice.