When NFL players reach stardom, companies rush to sign them for product endorsements.
These deals usually make perfect sense – think energy drinks, sports equipment, or luxury cars.
But sometimes, football heroes end up promoting products that leave fans completely bewildered.
The weirdest endorsement deals in NFL history prove that even the toughest athletes can find themselves in awkward advertising situations.
From adult diapers to women’s pantyhose, these unusual partnerships show us that sports marketing can take some truly unexpected turns.
What makes these deals so memorable isn’t just the strange products – it’s seeing our football heroes in situations we never imagined.
Picture a Super Bowl champion wearing a giant sun costume or a legendary linebacker promoting blankets with sleeves.
These moments become part of sports culture because they’re so surprising.
These bizarre partnerships happen for many reasons. Sometimes players need extra income, other times they want to build their brand in new ways.
Companies often choose strange athlete partnerships to grab attention and create buzz on social media.
Whether these deals helped or hurt the players’ reputations, they definitely created lasting memories.
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 Strange 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 Frequently Asked Questions
- 1.17 Final Thoughts:
- 1.18 More Top 10 Guides:
Weirdest Endorsement Deals In NFL History
Let’s explore the most unusual endorsement choices that NFL stars have made over the years.
Top 10 Weirdest Endorsement Deals In NFL History
Thanks to the MatchTimeline.com team for sharing the list below of the Weirdest Endorsement Deals Taken by NFL Players.
Ryan Kerrigan: Thompson Creek Windows
Ryan Kerrigan spent nearly a decade playing defensive end for Washington, becoming a fan favorite with his consistent performance.
While most NFL stars endorse athletic gear or energy drinks, Kerrigan chose to promote something completely different – windows.
But this wasn’t just any normal window advertisement. The campaign featured some truly bizarre elements that made fans question what they were watching:
The Strange Campaign Details:
- Kerrigan dressed up in a giant sun costume
- He would “scare” potential customers about the summer heat
- The ads included silly dancing while wearing the costume
- The goal was to convince people to buy new windows
| Campaign Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Product | Thompson Creek Windows |
| Kerrigan’s Role | Giant sun character |
| Target Message | Heat protection |
| Fan Reaction | Confusion and amusement |
The company definitely got attention, but probably not the kind they were hoping for. Fans wondered if Kerrigan actually used these windows in his own home or if he just needed the paycheck.
Carson Palmer: John Morell’s Hot Dogs
Carson Palmer had a solid NFL career with Pro Bowl appearances playing for teams like the Bengals and Cardinals. When it came to endorsements, he picked something that made people laugh for all the wrong reasons.
Why This Campaign Was So Awkward:
- Palmer showed up to “save” family picnics
- He talked about “sausage and wieners” in uncomfortable ways
- His delivery seemed forced and unnatural
- The whole concept felt completely scripted
The advertisement was supposed to make hot dogs look exciting and essential for outdoor gatherings. Instead, Palmer’s awkward performance made viewers cringe rather than crave the product. People definitely remembered this commercial, but not because they wanted to rush to the store and buy John Morell’s products.
DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, Wes Welker: Depends
This might be the most shocking 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 surprising choice.
The Controversial Campaign Elements:
- All three promoted Depends adult diapers
- Fans could vote on which player should model them
- The campaign was for charity purposes
- The ads still seemed inappropriate for healthy 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 the campaign supported a good cause, having three strong, healthy athletes promote incontinence products sent a very confusing message to their fans.
Jonathan Ogden: Gebco
Jonathan Ogden was the first Ravens player to make the Hall of Fame. He was known for excellent blocking and fun touchdown celebrations. His local endorsement deal in Baltimore became legendary for all the wrong reasons.
The Bizarre Insurance Advertisement Features:
- Ogden would mysteriously destroy cars just by standing near them
- He performed strange dances with women in the commercials
- The production quality looked very cheap and amateur
- The connection between football and insurance was never clear
These ads definitely didn’t make it into Ogden’s Hall of Fame highlight reel. Local Baltimore fans remember them, but probably wish they could completely forget about this awkward chapter in their hero’s career.
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 Elements:
- 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 completely silly
At least both players probably got free chicken meals from this deal. The advertisement was definitely memorable, but more for being absolutely ridiculous than actually effective at selling food.
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 genuinely confused.
Why This Seemed Completely 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 of the Partnership:
- He was a fan before becoming famous
- UGGs are made for both men and women
- He genuinely liked the comfort
- The company paid him very well
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Started | 2010s |
| Product Type | Sheepskin Boots |
| Target Market | Mainly Women |
| Brady’s Angle | Comfort and Style |
This deal actually worked out very well for Brady financially, even if fans found it completely strange at first.
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 absolutely shocking.
The Product Image 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 at all
Lewis was trying to expand his brand beyond football, but a blanket-sweatshirt combo wasn’t the best choice for maintaining his fierce 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 Details:
- 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 absolutely 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 properly 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 Details:
- 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 entire sports world.
The Groundbreaking Advertisement:
- 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 extremely 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 made.
Why Do NFL Players Make These Strange Deals?
There are several important reasons why NFL players end up in unusual endorsement situations that seem completely out of character.
Financial Motivation:
- Extra money beyond their salary
- Retirement planning for the future
- Creating multiple income streams
- Taking advantage of quick cash opportunities
Career Considerations:
- Building name recognition beyond football
- Staying relevant after retirement
- Testing different markets and audiences
- Learning important business skills
Personal Reasons:
- Genuine belief in the product
- Helping local businesses in their community
- Supporting charity connections
- Having fun and creativity in their careers
The Impact on Player Reputation
These weird endorsements can significantly affect how fans see their favorite players in both positive and negative ways.
Positive Effects:
- Shows sense of humor and personality
- Makes players more relatable to regular people
- Demonstrates business thinking and entrepreneurship
- Creates memorable moments that last forever
Negative Effects:
- Can damage a serious image and credibility
- Might hurt future endorsement opportunities
- Creates lasting embarrassment and jokes
- Confuses fan expectations about the player
What Companies Get From These Deals
Even the weirdest endorsement deals in NFL history can help businesses achieve their marketing goals.
Marketing Benefits:
- Instant attention and buzz creation
- Social media sharing and viral content
- Brand recognition in new markets
- Discussion and debate among consumers
Business Risks:
- Negative association with the brand
- Wasted advertising money on ineffective campaigns
- Confused brand message and identity
- Public relations problems and backlash
Authority Resources for NFL Endorsement Information
For more information about NFL endorsements and sports marketing, check these trusted sources:
- NFL.com – Official league news and player information
- SportsBusiness Journal – Industry analysis and trends
- Wheon Wire – Sports Analysis and Trends
- AdAge.com – Advertising industry news and campaigns
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do NFL players get to choose their endorsement deals?
Yes, players and their agents usually choose which deals to accept. However, some deals might be recommended by teams or existing sponsors.
- How much money do NFL players make from endorsements?
It varies widely. Top stars like Tom Brady can make millions per year, while average players might make thousands or tens of thousands.
- Can endorsement deals hurt a player’s career?
Usually, not their playing career, but weird endorsements can affect their reputation and future business opportunities.
- Do teams have any control over player endorsements?
Teams can have some influence, especially if the endorsement conflicts with team sponsors or organizational values.
- Are these weird endorsement deals still happening today?
Yes, but social media makes them spread faster, so players are more careful about their choices.
- Which weird endorsement was the most successful?
Tom Brady’s UGG deal was actually very successful financially, despite seeming strange at first.
Final Thoughts:
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.
