Opening with a padlock and then using the backdrop of an empty football stadium for the first 15 seconds, the NFLPA has released a 60-second commercial using its recent message: “Let us play.”

The ad was produced with a limited budget and aims at sending fans to sign-up for the petition at http://www.nfllockout.com.

“We want to play,” NFLPA president Kevin Mawae says during the commercial.

Fans are also used in the ad. The NFL set some television record ratings during the 2010 season and Super Bowl XLV between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers is expected to produce strong numbers. Recently, players have been taking to social media platforms to spread the message.

The ads will appear in a 30-second format during CBS’ broadcast of the NFLPA Game, the college all-star game formerly known as the Texas vs. The Nation Game, on Feb. 5, the day before the Super Bowl. The full ad can be viewed here.

“For us, it’s a simple issue: there's a lockout being threatened by the owners of America's most popular sport,” said NFLPA Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs George Atallah. “In that context, the ‘Let Us Play’ message is one that is delivered not just by the players but by the fans. We need to stand together to avoid a terrible outcome.”

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune