Under Armour has signed former Univ. of Alabama WR Julio Jones to a multiyear endorsement deal. Jones, who is projected as a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft, will appear in an advertising and in-store campaign this year. He also will be featured in a TV spot and digital campaign for Under Armour's new E39 shirt. The spot was scheduled to debut last weekend during NFL Network's coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Jones becomes the second high-profile prospect to sign with Under Armour, as former Auburn Univ. QB and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton signed with the company earlier this month (THE DAILY).
NOT SO SPECIAL FX: The BIRMINGHAM POST's Gregg Evans reported EPL club Aston Villa is "searching for a new shirt sponsor after their record-breaking deal with FX Pro came to an end by mutual consent." The Russian-owned company, which also sponsors EPL club Fulham, "had an option in the contracts to withdraw from either deal at the end of the season." FX Pro was "trying to get Villa to drive down prices for two years although the club were not willing to re-negotiate, and now expect to have a new partner at full value" for next season. Aston Villa's status in the EPL is "still in the balance" as they sit just five points above the relegation zone (BIRMINGHAM POST, 2/26).
CLEAR CALL: The MLS Philadelphia Union on Friday announced that they have added Verizon Communications as a Founding Corporate Partner in a sponsorship deal that also makes Verizon the official provider of all non-wireless service for the club and PPL Park. Verizon also will support the team's Mobile Marketing Tour grassroots marketing effort and will serve as the official sponsor of the Spanish-language section of the team's official website (Philadelphia Union).
