When NFL players become famous, companies line up to get them to promote their products.
Big name stars can have many deals at once, while even smaller players can get good money from endorsements.
Most of the time, these deals make sense – sports drinks, athletic gear, or cars. But sometimes, NFL players end up promoting the strangest things you could imagine.
From adult diapers to pantyhose, some of the weirdest endorsement deals in nfl history have left fans scratching their heads.
These deals often happen because companies want to grab attention or because players are willing to try anything for extra money.
While some of these ads became funny memories, others made people wonder what the players were thinking.
The world of sports marketing can be unpredictable. What works for one athlete might be completely wrong for another.
Sometimes the product itself is fine, but the way it’s advertised becomes strange.
Other times, the product and the athlete just don’t match at all.
These weird endorsements show us that even the toughest football players can find themselves in awkward situations when the cameras start rolling.
Contents
- 1 Weirdest Endorsement Deals In NFL History
- 1.1 Top 10 Weirdest Endorsement Deals In NFL History
- 1.2 Ryan Kerrigan: Thompson Creek Windows
- 1.3 Carson Palmer: John Morell’s Hot Dogs
- 1.4 DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, Wes Welker: Depends
- 1.5 Jonathan Ogden: Gebco
- 1.6 Jake Delhomme And Steve Smith: Bojangles
- 1.7 Tom Brady: UGG
- 1.8 Ray Lewis: Snuggie
- 1.9 Mike Ditka, Jim McMahon, William Perry: Silestone
- 1.10 Jimmy Johnson: Extenze
- 1.11 Joe Namath: Beautymist Pantyhose
- 1.12 Why Do NFL Players Make These Deals?
- 1.13 The Impact on Player Reputation
- 1.14 What Companies Get From These Deals?
- 1.15 Authority Resources for NFL Endorsement Information
- 1.16 FAQs:
- 2 Conclusion:
Weirdest Endorsement Deals In NFL History
Let’s look at ten NFL stars who took endorsement deals that were so unusual, they’re still talked about today.
Top 10 Weirdest Endorsement Deals In NFL History
Thanks to LegendStadium.com team for sharing the list below of the Weirdest Endorsement Deals Taken by NFL Players.
Ryan Kerrigan: Thompson Creek Windows
Ryan Kerrigan spent almost ten years playing for Washington and became a fan favorite. While most players endorse sports gear or energy drinks, Kerrigan chose to promote windows. But not in a normal way.
The Strange Ad Campaign:
- Kerrigan dressed up in a giant sun costume
- He would “scare” customers about the summer heat
- The goal was to make people buy new windows
- He did silly dancing while wearing the costume
The ads were meant to be funny, but seeing a top NFL defensive player in a sun suit was just weird. Fans wondered if Kerrigan even used these windows in his own home. The company got attention, but probably not the kind they wanted.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Player Position | Defensive End |
| Team | Washington Commanders |
| Product | Windows |
| Campaign Style | Comedy/Costume |
| Weirdness Factor | High |
Carson Palmer: John Morell’s Hot Dogs
Carson Palmer had a decent NFL career with some Pro Bowl appearances. He played for teams like the Bengals and Cardinals. When it came to endorsements, he picked something that made people laugh for the wrong reasons.
Why This Was Weird:
- Palmer showed up to “save” family picnics
- He talked about “sausage and wieners” in the ad
- His delivery was awkward and unnatural
- The whole concept seemed forced
The ad was supposed to make hot dogs look exciting, but Palmer’s performance was more cringe than convincing. People remember this commercial, but not because they wanted to buy the product.
DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, Wes Welker: Depends
This might be the strangest endorsement deal ever. Three NFL stars in their prime decided to promote adult diapers. DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, and Wes Welker were all active players when they made this choice.
The Shocking Campaign:
- All three promoted Depends adult diapers
- Fans could vote on which player should model them
- The campaign was for charity
- The ads still seemed inappropriate for active athletes
| Player | Team | Position | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeMarcus Ware | Cowboys/Broncos | Linebacker | Super Bowl Champion |
| Clay Matthews | Packers | Linebacker | Pro Bowl Player |
| Wes Welker | Patriots/Broncos | Wide Receiver | Multiple Pro Bowls |
Even though it was for a good cause, having three strong, healthy athletes promote incontinence products sent a confusing message to fans.
Jonathan Ogden: Gebco
Jonathan Ogden was the first Ravens player to make the Hall of Fame. He was known for great blocking and fun touchdown dances. His local endorsement deal in Baltimore became legendary for all the wrong reasons.
The Bizarre Insurance Ads:
- Ogden would mysteriously destroy cars by standing near them
- He did strange dances with women in the commercials
- The production quality looked very cheap
- The connection between football and insurance wasn’t clear
These ads definitely didn’t make it into Ogden’s Hall of Fame highlight reel. Local fans remember them, but probably wish they could forget.
Jake Delhomme And Steve Smith: Bojangles
This endorsement wasn’t weird because of the product – Bojangles is a popular chicken restaurant in the South. What made it strange was how they advertised it.
The Wild West Theme:
- The ad was based on “Dukes of Hazzard”
- Both players raced cars while being chased by police
- They drove a car with a giant chicken on top
- The stunts were over-the-top and silly
At least both players probably got free chicken meals from this deal. The ad was memorable, but more for being ridiculous than effective.
Tom Brady: UGG
Tom Brady is considered the greatest quarterback of all time. He’s endorsed luxury watches, expensive cars, and high-end clothing. So when he started promoting UGG boots, people were confused.
Why This Seemed Off:
- UGGs are mainly marketed to women
- They’re seen as casual house slippers
- Brady claimed they were his favorite footwear
- He said he owned more UGGs than dress shoes
Brady’s Defense:
- He was a fan before becoming famous
- UGGs are made for both men and women
- He genuinely liked the comfort
- The company paid him well
| Year Started | Product Type | Target Market | Brady’s Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | Sheepskin Boots | Mainly Women | Comfort and Style |
This deal actually worked out well for Brady financially, even if fans found it strange.
Ray Lewis: Snuggie
Ray Lewis was one of the most intimidating linebackers in NFL history. He won two Super Bowls and was known for his intense personality. So seeing him promote Snuggie blankets was shocking.
The Product Problem:
- Snuggies are blankets with sleeves
- They’re seen as lazy or childish
- Lewis added them to his clothing line
- The tough guy image didn’t match
Lewis was trying to expand his brand beyond football, but a blanket-sweatshirt combo wasn’t the best choice for his reputation.
Mike Ditka, Jim McMahon, William Perry: Silestone
The 1985 Chicago Bears were one of the greatest NFL teams ever. Mike Ditka, Jim McMahon, and William Perry were huge stars from that championship team. Years later, they reunited for a very strange commercial.
The Confusing Campaign:
- All three said “I am Diana Pearl” in the ad
- They were promoting luxury bathroom counters
- Dennis Rodman also appeared in a bathtub
- The message made no sense
Fans who remembered the Super Bowl Shuffle thought this was even more embarrassing. The connection between tough football players and bathroom fixtures was never explained.
Jimmy Johnson: Extenze
Jimmy Johnson coached the Dallas Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s. Later, he became a popular TV analyst. His strangest endorsement deal was also his most controversial.
The Uncomfortable Product:
- Extenze is a male enhancement supplement
- Johnson filmed the ad at an actual game
- He promoted it seriously on camera
- His TV co-workers made fun of him for it
This endorsement damaged Johnson’s reputation and became a running joke among his colleagues. It showed that even successful coaches can make poor marketing choices.
Joe Namath: Beautymist Pantyhose
This is probably the most famous weird endorsement in NFL history. Joe Namath was a Super Bowl champion and one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. His pantyhose commercial shocked the sports world.
The Groundbreaking Ad:
- Namath wore pantyhose on his legs
- He said they made his legs look good
- The camera showed his legs first, then his face
- It was controversial for the time period
Why It Was So Shocking:
- Men didn’t wear pantyhose in the 1970s
- It challenged gender norms
- Namath was seen as a tough quarterback
- The ad got huge media attention
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | Early 1970s |
| Product | Women’s Pantyhose |
| Controversy Level | Extremely High |
| Cultural Impact | Challenged Gender Norms |
| Result | Increased Brand Awareness |
This commercial is still talked about today as one of the boldest advertising moves ever.
Why Do NFL Players Make These Deals?
There are several reasons why NFL players end up in strange endorsement situations:
Financial Motivation:
- Extra money beyond their salary
- Retirement planning
- Multiple income streams
- Quick cash opportunities
Career Considerations:
- Building name recognition
- Staying relevant after retirement
- Testing different markets
- Learning business skills
Personal Reasons:
- Genuine belief in the product
- Helping local businesses
- Charity connections
- Fun and creativity
The Impact on Player Reputation
These weird endorsements can affect how fans see their favorite players:
Positive Effects:
- Shows sense of humor
- Makes players more relatable
- Demonstrates business thinking
- Creates memorable moments
Negative Effects:
- Can damage serious image
- Might hurt future endorsement opportunities
- Creates lasting embarrassment
- Confuses fan expectations
What Companies Get From These Deals?
Even weird endorsements can help businesses:
Marketing Benefits:
- Instant attention and buzz
- Social media sharing
- Brand recognition
- Discussion and debate
Risks for Companies:
- Negative association
- Wasted advertising money
- Confused brand message
- Public relations problems
Authority Resources for NFL Endorsement Information
For more information about NFL endorsements and marketing, check these trusted sources:
- NFL.com – Official league news and player information
- ESPN.com – Sports business and endorsement reporting
- Forbes.com – Athlete earnings and endorsement values
- SportsBusiness Journal – Industry analysis and trends
- AdAge.com – Advertising industry news and campaigns
FAQs:
- Q: Do NFL players get to choose their endorsement deals?
A: Yes, players and their agents usually choose which deals to accept. However, some deals might be recommended by teams or sponsors.
- Q: How much money do NFL players make from endorsements?
A: It varies widely. Top stars like Tom Brady can make millions per year, while average players might make thousands or tens of thousands.
- Q: Can endorsement deals hurt a player’s career?
A: Usually not their playing career, but weird endorsements can affect their reputation and future business opportunities.
- Q: Do teams have any control over player endorsements?
A: Teams can have some influence, especially if the endorsement conflicts with team sponsors or values.
- Q: Are these weird endorsement deals still happening today?
A: Yes, but social media makes them spread faster, so players are more careful about their choices.
- Q: Which weird endorsement was the most successful?
A: Tom Brady’s UGG deal was actually very successful financially, despite seeming strange at first.
Conclusion:
The weirdest endorsement deals in NFL history show us that even the toughest athletes can end up in awkward advertising situations.
From Joe Namath in pantyhose to Ray Lewis promoting Snuggies, these deals prove that money and fame can lead to some very strange choices.
While some of these endorsements hurt player reputations, others became beloved pieces of sports history.
They remind us that NFL players are real people who sometimes make questionable business decisions, just like everyone else.
These strange endorsement deals also changed how we think about athlete marketing.
They showed that fans want authentic connections with their favorite players, even if that means laughing at their weird commercial choices.
Today’s NFL players can learn from these examples. The best endorsements happen when the player, product, and audience all make sense together.
When any of these elements don’t match, you might end up on a list of the weirdest endorsement deals in nfl history.
Whether they were successful or embarrassing, these endorsements became part of NFL culture.
They give us something to talk about long after the players retire, and they remind us that sports marketing can be just as entertaining as the games themselves.
The lesson for current and future NFL stars is simple: think carefully before putting your name and face behind any product.
What seems like easy money today might become a lifelong source of embarrassment tomorrow.
But sometimes, if you’re brave enough to be different, a weird endorsement might just make you a legend.
