Rams’ ‘Thursday’ draft film starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker’s sons goes viral with 1.6 million views

The Los Angeles Rams released a three-and-a-half-minute short film called Thursday on 17 April 2026, starring the sons of Friday icons Ice Cube and Chris Tucker as a viral teaser for the 2026 NFL Draft.

What is the Rams’ ‘Thursday’ film?

On 16 April 2026, the Los Angeles Rams released the three-and-a-half-minute short film as the centrepiece of their 2026 NFL Draft campaign — a direct homage to the 1995 cult classic Friday.

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 porch, the street, the vibe — all of it intact, more than 30 years on.

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

Who stars in ‘Thursday’?

Starring O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Destin Tucker — the real-life sons of original film leads Ice Cube and Chris Tucker — the project masterfully re-creates iconic neighbourhood scenes to celebrate the franchise’s return to the first round.

Jackson is a veteran actor who made his debut portraying his own father in Straight Outta Compton, with other credits including Cocaine Bear, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Just Mercy. Both sons bear a striking resemblance to their dads.

Actor Terry Crews makes a cameo as a parody of the character Deebo — the neighbourhood bully played by the late Tiny Lister — riding up on Jackson and Tucker on a beach cruiser bicycle, just as in the original film.

The Rams’ version also features rapper YG as Stanley, as well as Big Boy. Current Rams players Kevin Dotson, Jared Verse, and Byron Young all have cameo roles.

The viral moments driving the buzz

One of the most widely circulated lines from the film — referencing the Rams holding a first-round pick — quickly spread across sports and hip-hop platforms, pushing the video beyond the NFL audience and into mainstream pop culture conversation.

Toward the end of the video, Tucker delivers a standout line: “Man, this Thursday is going to make our whole season. And you know this, man!” Jackson Jr. then turns to the camera and adds, “Don’t sleep on Friday, though.”

A closing graphic reads: “Rams Draft: A lot can go down between Thursday and Saturday… April 23–25,” referencing the exact dates of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why did the Rams make this?

This is not a franchise playing it safe. After years of trading away first-round picks, the Rams re-enter the first round of the Draft for the first time in years — and they wanted to mark the occasion with something that felt unmistakably Los Angeles.

Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick, Chief Marketing Officer of the Los Angeles Rams, said the project was “a celebration of Los Angeles — the city we call home — and its culture, creativity and global influence.” Frederick added that Friday “is more than a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone.”

Crews, who began his NFL career with the Rams back in 1991, added further authenticity to the project — a living bridge between the franchise’s past and its current cultural moment.

The 2026 NFL Draft: what’s at stake for the Rams

The Rams still hold seven picks in the 2026 Draft, including pick No. 13 overall, despite trading pick No. 29 and additional selections to acquire cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Rams will also host a block party-style Draft celebration for fans from 23 to 25 April at Hollywood Park, featuring rides, games, and branded activations.

For a full breakdown of Will Anderson Jr.’s $150m extension that reshapes the AFC defensive picture, see our report at BriefLedger. For the latest on Dak Prescott’s off-field situation, our coverage is at BriefLedger. And for an NFL draft story closer to the trenches, read our piece on Browns GM Andrew Berry and pick No. 6.