Eli Manning Could Score Big With Super Bowl Appearance

Eli Manning's Marketability Could Receive Largest Boost Of Any Player In Super Bowl

Giants QB Eli Manning "has the most to gain" of all the players in Super Bowl XLII, as he will reach "star status if he has a strong performance in a Giants' win, or even if he has a solid performance" in a close Giants' loss, according to BRANDWEEK's Barry Janoff. TSE Sports & Entertainment President Robert Tuchman said, "Regardless if he wins or loses the big game he will be a top five pitchman among NFL players in 2008. The fact that his brother [Colts QB Peyton Manning] has done extremely well with his opportunities will only enhance (Eli's) value. ... Madison Avenue will be very interested in his services" (BRANDWEEK, 1/28 issue). Manning earns about $5M per year from companies including Citizen Watch, Reebok and Nabisco's Oreo brand (USA TODAY, 1/29). In his annual Super Bowl Sports Marketers' Scouting Report, Baker Street Partners VP & Exec Creative Dir Bob Dorfman writes a Super Bowl win "could be worth $3-5M in new deals for Eli." Dorfman ranks Manning as a "Field Goal," behind only Patriots QB Tom Brady's "Touchdown" ranking, writing though Manning "lacks the cachet, charisma and acting chops of big brother Peyton, he shows solid potential as a potent pitchman. ... Even a respectable showing in a losing effort could significantly increase his Madison Avenue net worth." Dorfman: "If you can't afford Peyton, are targeting 20-somethings or a New York area market, Eli's your guy" (THE DAILY). 

Manning's Jersey Cracks Top Ten In Sales On NFLShop.com

GIANT SALES: USA TODAY's Michael McCarthy notes Manning's No. 10 jersey last week climbed to eighth in season-to-date sales on NFLShop.com, a sharp climb from a 20th place ranking on December 31. Modell's Sporting Goods CEO Mitch Modell says Manning's jersey has become the "No. 1-, 2- and 3- seller." He added that stores have "moved more Eli jerseys ... this year than his previous three NFL seasons combined." Steiner Sports, the Manning family's collectibles seller, has sold more than 1,000 Eli collectibles this month, including autographed photos, jerseys and helmets ranging from $100-600. The company sold 2,400 Eli collectibles in all of '07. Steiner Sports Chair Brandon Steiner: "The last week has been insane" (USA TODAY, 1/29). In N.Y., Pesce, Dziemianowicz & Siemaszko report local sporting goods stores "have had to restock to meet the demand" for Giants gear. Sports Authority District Manager George Cartolano said, "You can't count on this business every year, but when it happens you have to really capitalize on it." Steiner: "Eli Manning has become part of the fabric of New York sports. He's an icon. The demand has been overwhelming" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/29).