It’s Crunch Time: 17 Years of Pork Rind Appreciation Day®
- May 28
- 2 min read
Updated: May 29
Pork Rind Appreciation Day® has been celebrated for almost 20 years, and will mark the 18th year in 2027. This year, Southern Recipe pork rinds teamed up with NFL Hall of Famer Devin Hester for the 17th annual campaign which culminated with the Big Game in San Francisco on February 8th. Follow @eatporkrinds on Instagram to learn more next year's campaign and a chance to win a travel package to the 2027 Super Bowl in Los Angeles, California.
The Porky Beginnings
The tradition began in 2009, when Rudolph Foods introduced Pork Rind Appreciation Day® to celebrate the beloved snack. Fueled by America’s love of football and pork rinds, the day quickly became a sensation. Its mission went beyond flavor, as the inaugural celebration supported the Wounded Warrior Project, laying the foundation for Pork Rind Appreciation Day® to combine good food with good deeds.
Iconic Campaigns Through the Years
2012: Pork Rind Appreciation Day® gained momentum with over 100,000 fans voting to make the day official. Ohio Governor John Kasich gave his endorsement, cementing the holiday.
2013: The event’s first contest offered fans a chance to win a party and a 50” Plasma TV, with NFL legend Dennis McKinnon as spokesperson.
2014: Fans chose their flavor allegiance—"Team Spicy" or "Team Smooth"—in a flavorful showdown led by NFL stars Lem Barney and Dennis McKinnon.
2018: Billy “White Shoes” Johnson brought flair to the celebration with "Gridiron Groovin’," where fans created their own touchdown dances.
2023: The "Sacks for Snacks" campaign gave away pork rinds based on weekly quarterback sacks, with Hall of Famer Carl Eller and NFL legend Mike Golic leading the charge.
2025: "It's Crunch Time" campaign featured NFL Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas and a chance to win a travel package to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Celebrate With Us!
Whether you're a snack enthusiast or a football fanatic, this is your chance to be part of the crunchiest celebration yet. Don't wait- visit the site and join our newsletter to stay in the know of all updates and prizes coming!