NFL Giants QB Eli Manning “certainly is more marketable than ever as a two-time Super Bowl winner," and as his current sponsorship deals expire, he "will be able to command more money to renew,” according to Neil Best of NEWSDAY. IMG’s Alan Zucker, the marketing agent for Manning, said, "To be honest with you, it doesn't change very much because he already is playing at a high level in terms of number of endorsements and quality of companies.'' Best notes an SI survey of the highest-paid athletes found that Manning “ranked third in 2011 endorsement income among active NFL players at $7 million.” Zucker would not comment on dollar figures, but two sports marketing experts said that the estimate for Manning “likely is on the low side.” With a roster of companies that includes Citizen Watches, DirecTV, Gatorade, Oreos, Reebok, Samsung and Toyota, there is "little room for more.” However, Zucker said that there “might be a place for one major addition to his portfolio.” Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing President Doug Shabelman said that the “only thing that might hold back Manning as an endorser is his laid-back personality.” Best notes those “closest to Manning insist he has a sense of humor," but his brand generally "suggests stoicism, leadership and reliability.” Several experts said that Manning's latest Super Bowl win “will make him more viable as a stand-alone endorser not reliant” on his brother, Colts QB Peyton Manning. But Zucker said that his client “already was at that point” (NEWSDAY, 2/10). Eli Manning ranks seventh on THE DAILY's list of the most marketable NFL players.
GOING FOR A CRUZ: In Newark, Mike Garafolo reports Giants WR Victor Cruz on Thursday “signed an exclusive agreement” with memorabilia company Steiner Sports. Cruz “hasn’t gotten much sleep the past few days as he’s tried to capitalize on his newfound fame by making appearance after appearance” (Newark STAR LEDGER, 2/10). In N.Y., Keith Kelly reports Cruz “is said to be closing in on a book deal,” with Giants coach Tom Coughlin “likely to jump into the book chase sometime in the next two weeks.” Coughlin after the ’07 season wrote “A Team to Believe in: Our Journey to the Super Bowl Championship.” IMG’s Sandy Montag, Coughlin’s agent, said, “We are exploring doing a second book.” Meanwhile, one publishing source said Manning “turned down big money -- seven figure deals -- in the past” (N.Y. POST, 2/10).
STAYING BUSY DURING THE OFFSEASON: Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw and WR Mario Manningham appeared on Thursday's edition on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and host Jimmy Kimmel asked them what they will do the rest of the offseason. Bradshaw said, “There’s a lot of offseason money to make being champions.” Kimmel said, “That’s true. You can do car dealership commercials, all kinds of crap. You’ll be out in parking lots” (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 2/9).
