Danica Patrick to star with puppy in Super Bowl commercial

When Danica Patrick stars in a Super Bowl commercial this February for an 11th straight year and a record 14th time overall, she will have a special costar: a puppy.

Although not confirmed, the canine is expected to be Patrick’s miniature Siberian husky, Dakota. Patrick and boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr. adopted the dog back in May and ever since, Dakota has frequently been spotlighted on Patrick’s social media accounts.

The 30-second commercial, which has yet to be shot, will be for Patrick’s longtime sponsor, GoDaddy. It will air sometime during Super Bowl XLIX to be played Feb. 1.

Initially GoDaddy’s Super Bowl ads featuring Patrick were more risqué. In one, Patrick was seen in a shower; in another she seductively unzipped a black leather jacket.

Recently, however, the commercials have taken a much different tone. This year’s version will continue that theme.

“We are taking an advertising tradition -- a tried-and-true Super Bowl commercial convention -- and turning it upside down,” said GoDaddy chief marketing officer Barb Rechterman. “People love cute little puppies in Super Bowl commercials, right? The power of our next Super Bowl ad is how it pivots from what you think is a traditional ‘Hallmark’ style commercial into something unexpected, while highlighting how our products help a small business owner drive their business online.”

Said Patrick: “I’m pretty sure this little GoDaddy puppy is going to steal the show. Our Super Bowl commercials have evolved over the years, and it’s been pretty cool to be a part of the transformation. I love this year’s surprise ending. I really don’t think people will see the punchline coming.”