NFL Players Breaks Campaign Featuring Lower-Profile Players

New Campaign Seeks To Improve Marketing Power Of Lower-Profile NFL Players

NFL Players, the commercial arm of the NFLPA, this week is breaking "Football doesn't define me," a campaign featuring 18 NFLers that attempts to "bring other players to the attention of marketers" beside Colts QB Peyton Manning and Giants QB Eli Manning, according to BRANDWEEK. The effort, via FortyForty, California, features Saints QB Drew Brees, Chargers LB Shawne Merriman and Redskins RB Clinton Portis, as well as "rookies and others who have yet to capture national attention." The campaign includes TV, print, Internet and a microsite at NFLPlayers.com. The TV spot, produced by East Pleasant Pictures, N.Y., will break on the NFLPA Web site, then air on FSN, NFL Network and CBS. Print will target trade and business publications, while Internet placements include Yahoo.com, FoxSports.com, NBC.com and Forbes.com (BRANDWEEK, 10/6 issue).

SHOWING THEIR COLORS: EA has released "Madden NFL 09 Pink," which will be available throughout October to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The game includes the same gameplay and graphics as the flagship game, and features limited edition packaging displaying a pink ribbon. Proceeds from the game will contribute to a donation to the Deanna Favre HOPE Foundation (EA).