LA Rams release viral ‘Thursday’ video inspired by ‘Friday’ movie ahead of NFL Draft

Craig and Smokey must be so proud.

The Los Angeles Rams released a hilarious hype video on Friday (fitting day, yes) to pump up fans ahead of next week’s NFL Draft.

Aptly titled “Thursday,” the 3-minute and 36-second mini movie was inspired by the 1995, LA-based cult classic, “Friday.”

It starred Rams fans O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker, the sons of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, who played the iconic roles of Craig Jones and Smokey in the original “Friday.”

And “daaamn!” did it take the internet by storm.

As of 4 p.m. Friday, it had 1.6 million views on X and nearly 50,000 likes on Instagram.

According to a press release from the Rams, the video was meant to be the “centerpiece of the team’s 2026 NFL draft campaign,” by “blending football, culture and comedy.”

The Rams said the video was filmed at the same house from “Friday” in the West Athens community of Los Angeles, southeast of Inglewood near SoFi Stadium.

“The reimagined project pays tribute to the original movie and celebrates its deep Los Angeles roots,” the Rams said.

The video starts with clips of Los Angeles — the quintessential palm trees, the sunshine — as a car cruises through the streets while Los Angeles radio legend Big Boy tells Angelenos that it’s “the Rams’ Draft Day.”

In addition to Jackson Jr. and Tucker — who each bear a striking resemblance to their dads, especially in this context — the project also stars actor Terry Crews as the neighborhood enforcer, rapper YG, Rams standouts Kevin Dotson, Jared Verse, and Byron Young. The video also features the Rams’ refreshed uniforms.

While the characters talk through the anticipation of the NFL Draft, the “Friday” nostalgia runs deep. So deep.

At one point toward the end of the video, Jackson Jr. and Tucker get into their convertible and Tucker delivers a memorable line.

“Man, this Thursday is going to make our whole season. And you know this, man!” he says.

Jackson Jr. turns to the camera and adds, “Don’t sleep on Friday, though.”

“Rams Draft: A lot can go down between Thursday and Saturday…April 23-25,” a graphic at the end of the video reads, referencing the dates of this year’s NFL Draft.

“This project is a celebration of Los Angeles — the city we call home — and its culture, creativity and global influence,” said Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick, Chief Marketing Officer of Los Angeles Rams. “‘Friday’ is more than a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone. By reimagining it through ‘Thursday,’ tying it to the Draft, and connecting it to real fan experiences across the city, we’re creating something that truly represents LA.”

The Rams will host their Fan Fair, a block party-style Draft celebration for fans April 23 to April 25 at Hollywood Park, where fans can enjoy rides, games, and fun branded activations. Tickets are still available.