Patriots QB Tom Brady today appears in his first ad for UGG Australia, but Brady has "never pulled from the usual sportsman-as-pitchman playbook," according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Brady is "not the standard endorser," and has "always been more discerning" about the companies he signs with. That is in contrast to Colts QB Peyton Manning, who is seen as the "uber-salesman for the products many athletes hawk." Brady is "aligned with only two companies right now," UGG and Under Armour, in which he "owns equity." A source said Brady also gets royalties from the UA deal. Brady "refused to say he regretted any previous alliance -- Movado, Visa and Smartwater were some -- but as he has gotten older, he has focused more on partnerships that can outlast his career." Brady requires "face time with company executives as part of any partnership." UGG President Constance Rishwain indicated that Brady "asked astute questions in their first meeting." Brady said that business "isn't that different from football." Brady: "Individuals have to be willing to help where needed and not afraid to get their hands dirty." Kinkhabwala notes the UGG ad shows Brady walking and jogging "through Los Angeles, gamely wearing a camera rigged to a weight-belt." There is "nearly no reference to Mr. Brady's profession, outside of two very subtle nods" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 9/12).
