The Super Bowl LVI Champion Los Angeles Rams and Sleep Number, the Official Sleep + Wellness Partner of the NFL, debut "Numbers Game," a short film featuring safety and team co-captain Jordan Fuller who suffered a season-ending injury in January of 2022. In the film, Fuller narrates the story of his career and "where it all stopped" with his season-ending ankle and hamstring injuries, "but it's also where it began," he says and then chronicles his road to recovery, citing an impressive aggregate of numbers. Fuller recounts everything from the number of his career tackles and assists to the number of weeks of rehab and hours of restorative sleep on his Sleep Number smart bed following his injury. "Recovery is a numbers game," he says in the film, and the numbers add up to his successful recuperation and return to the Rams starting lineup this season. "Numbers Game" demonstrates how individualized sleep on a Sleep Number smart bed helps contribute to better performance on the field, and underscores the fact that 80% of NFL players have a Sleep Number smart bed.
Patrick Campion, Sleep Number VP, Marketing, Planning & Brand Partnerships, said: "We are proud of our work with Jordan and the LA Rams Sports Medicine and Performance staff on his recovery. Great example of how individualizing your sleep on a Sleep Number smart bed elevates your game to the next level and we are very excited to share his story with fans."
"A good night's sleep is critical for my recovery and my performance," Fuller added. "Over the years, I've grown to realize how much more productive I can be throughout the hours I'm awake if I get the proper amount of rest. When you add Sleep Number to the mix, it's a game changer."
"Jordan's story is one of hard work, resilience and determination and we are grateful to be able to showcase his journey in such an unprecedented way," said Los Angeles Rams Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Prince. "This collaboration with Sleep Number embodies everything we mean when we talk about partnering with purpose. While the authentic integration of Sleep Number's technology into our recovery process is the foundation, this storytelling gives our fans a unique look into our partnership and the incredible commitment Jordan made to return to the field this season."
Produced by Rams Studios, "Numbers Game" recreates Fuller's compelling story through an inventive combination of live-action and animation created in collaboration with Director Aaron Rolo, known for his filmmaking work in sports and music, including a recent ESPN spot featuring LeBron James for the 2023 NBA Western Conference Finals and animated live-music films for Travis Scott's Utopia. The powerful soundtrack for "Numbers Game" is "Vengeance" by Zack Hemsey, who is widely known for his film and TV scores. The film's unique storytelling and sound design bring to life a cascade of numbers, graphically illustrating the significance of rest on health and mental wellness in Fuller's recovery.
You can watch the film here:
"I loved working with Aaron Rolo, Sleep Number and the Rams to create this film," said Fuller. "They set a clear vision and made it really easy for me to do what needed to be done on camera. I liked it a lot because it was all just me being myself. Everyone was awesome and I was grateful we spent that time together. It's something I'm going to remember for a long, long time."
Fuller was drafted by the Rams in 2020 and was a starting safety during his rookie season. By 2021, he was voted a team captain for the first time as well as serving as the Rams' on-field defensive signal caller. He was a key contributor to the Rams' 2021 defense which culminated in their Super Bowl LVI win, but Fuller had an injury-shortened 2022 season. His hard work to get healthy, his consistency and commitment to teammates along with exemplary leadership abilities were acknowledged by his fellow players who voted him a captain again this year for the second time.
C*redits*
Director, Editor, and Animator: Aaron Rolo
Music: Zack Hemsey
Sleep Number
Vice President, Marketing, Planning, and Brand Partnerships: Patrick Campion
Senior Specialist, Partnerships: Lindsey Schumer
Senior Director, Public Relations: Julie Elepano
Los Angeles Rams
Chief Operating Officer: Kevin Demoff
Chief Marketing Officer: Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick
Chief Commercial Officer: Jennifer Prince
Vice President, Brand Strategy: Lexi VonderLieth
Vice President and General Manager, Rams Studios: Marissa Daly
Vice President, Marketing Operations: Margaret Plouffe
Vice President, Corporate Affairs: Joanna Hunter
Vice President, Legal: Todd Davis
Senior Director, Partnership Management: Brittany Ramos
Senior Director, Creative: Cory Befort
Director, Studios Operations: Michelle Runch
Director, Video: Chris Williams
Senior Producer: Solo Koo
Senior Manager, Brand Strategy: Rachel Zisman
Senior Manager, Partnership Design: Cate Howard
Senior Manager, Partnership Management: Jayla Winston
Senior Manager, Marketing Operations: Brittany Cipolla
Manager, Studio Operations: Melissa Park
Manager, Player Partnerships: Emma McVay
Photography Lead: Brevin Townsell
Photographer: Travis Ellison
Motion Graphics Designer: Jake Dunn
Coordinator, Brand Strategy: Tiras Holifield
Coordinator, Studio Operations: Danielle Mandel