The crisp February air rolled over the Midwest plains as the sun dipped behind the golden horizon. In a small-town farm just outside of St. Louis, a majestic team of Budweiser Clydesdales stood proudly in their stable, their breath visible in the cool evening air. Among them was Duke, a young, spirited Clydesdale with a heart full of dreams.
Duke had watched the older horses train all season, pulling the gleaming red Budweiser wagon with pride and power. He had seen them trot through grand parades, wave to roaring crowds, and even star in legendary Super Bowl commercials. It was every Clydesdale’s dream to lead the team onto the field during the biggest football night of the year, and this year, Duke hoped it would be his turn.
But there was a problem—Duke wasn’t quite ready. He was fast, strong, and determined, but his trainer, old Hank, wasn’t convinced he had the discipline and teamwork needed to perform under the bright lights of the Super Bowl.
“You’ve got heart, Duke,” Hank said one evening as he brushed the horse’s sleek brown coat. “But heart alone won’t get you on that field. It takes patience, trust, and teamwork. You’ve got to be more than just strong—you’ve got to be steady.”
Duke lowered his head in disappointment. He had spent months practicing, pulling small wagons and training alongside the older horses, but when the official team was announced, his name wasn’t on the list. His best friend, Max, had been chosen, along with seven other seasoned Clydesdales. Duke would have to watch from the sidelines.
A Super Bowl Surprise
On Super Bowl Sunday, the stadium was electric. The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers were warming up, while millions of fans across the country tuned in. In the parking lot, the Budweiser team was making final preparations for their big moment. The horses stood tall, their harnesses polished, their white-feathered hooves perfectly groomed.
Duke watched from his stable, his heart heavy. He had dreamed of trotting onto the field, hearing the crowd cheer, and feeling the pride of carrying the Budweiser legacy.
Then, suddenly, chaos erupted.
One of the lead Clydesdales, Thunder, had injured his leg during warm-ups. The team’s handlers rushed to check on him, but it was clear—he wouldn’t be able to pull the wagon onto the field. Panic spread among the crew. They needed a replacement.
Hank turned to Duke.
“You ready, boy?” he asked, gripping Duke’s reins. “This is your chance.”
Duke’s ears perked up. His heart pounded. He had trained for this moment, even if he hadn’t been sure it would come. With a deep breath, he stepped forward. The team quickly fitted him with a harness, and he was placed alongside Max in the lead position.
The Moment of Glory
As the stadium lights dimmed and the Super Bowl commercial break began, a familiar image flickered onto the massive screen—the Budweiser Clydesdales, standing proudly in the snow. The commercial showcased their journey, from the open fields to the grandest stage in America.
Then, the stadium announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers:
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales!”
The gates swung open, and Duke felt the reins tighten. This was it.
With powerful strides, he led the team onto the field. The roar of the crowd filled his ears, and the bright lights shimmered in his eyes. But he stayed steady, just as Hank had taught him. The red Budweiser wagon rolled smoothly behind them, its golden logo gleaming under the stadium lights.
As they completed their lap around the field, Duke held his head high. He wasn’t just strong—he was part of something bigger. He was part of a tradition, a legacy. He was a Budweiser Clydesdale.
Back at the stable, Hank met him with a proud smile.
“You did good, Duke,” he said, patting the horse’s strong neck. “Real good.”
As the night wore on and the Super Bowl game raged, Duke stood tall, watching from the sidelines—not as a spectator, but as a legend in the making.
