NFL Season Just Around The Corner

Is it kickoff time yet? OK, maybe not yet, but marketers and media are already gearing up for the NFL season. Among today's highlights: Miller secures deals with five clubs, as well as a national pact with ESPN; LaDainian Tomlinson has the league's top-selling jersey and is set to make $2M over five years with his new healthcare endorsement; Pink is apparently not NBC's favorite color, as the Peacock tabs Faith Hill for the "Sunday Night Football" theme song. But all this threatens to be overshadowed by Michael Vick, who has been suspended indefinitely by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Look Good In Stripes
Herbert Hainer says adidas has tentative deal to trump Nike offer and extend contract with the German Soccer Federation past 2010.

The Don't Pass Line 
USTA hires security firm, sets up a hotline to avoid gambling scandal ahead of U.S. Open. 

Gift Of Gab 
Nike taps 18 female athletes in new campaign timed to U.S. Open, WNBA playoffs and World Cup.  

Magnifying Glass 
Flyers turning old goal judge boxes into high-dollar seating area.

Padre Island 
Sandy Alderson goes on the offensive about team’s financial status and payroll.

Scrum Diddlyumptious
Rugby World Cup expected to be most-watched sports event this year; int'l marketing/TV rights valued at $200M.  

Crip Keeper 
Child advocates, parents pressuring MLB and Yankees to stop selling hats with gang-related symbols.