Names & Faces: Is McNabb More Marketable Since Rush Flap?

Limbaugh's Comments, Recent Play Elevate QB In Endorsement World

In Philadelphia, Larry Eichel wonders whether Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is a "hotter quantity in the endorsement world today than he was before [Rush Limbaugh] proclaimed him the beneficiary of soft treatment ... because he is black." CSMG Sports Exec VP/Player Marketing Nova Lanktree, who reps McNabb, said, "I think I'd put it this way. The dignity he showed in dealing with the incident reinforced his star power." Lanktree said that McNabb has not signed any new deals since the Limbaugh controversy, but noted that endorsement deals "are almost always negotiated in the off-season." Lanktree: "The next round looks really, really good." McNabb already has national endorsement deals with Campbell's Soup, DirecTV, Lincoln Financial, the NFL, Reebok and Visa (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 12/4).

GAME ON: ESPN Videogames signed Yankees 1B Jason Giambi as the official spokesperson and cover athlete for "ESPN Major League Baseball," which will also feature the voices of ESPN's Jon Miller and Karl Ravech (ESPN Videogames).

MORE FACES: BRANDWEEK's Hilary Cassidy reports, "DC Shoes will bow a signature shoe for BMX freestyler Dave Mirra this month at skate and snowboard specialty shops" (BRANDWEEK, 12/1 issue)....Bauer Nike Hockey launched its Vapor XX full composite stick at retail throughout North America. Bauer Nike Hockey also signed Senators RW Marian Hossa and Blues D Barret Jackman to endorsement deals (Bauer Nike Hockey).