MEDIA BISTRO's Erik Oster reported ad agency Havas Worldwide Chicago "tapped former college football stars Matt Leinart, Heath Shuler and Brian Bosworth in their latest spot for DISH Network, promoting the DISH Anywhere app." The spot "finds the three athletes deciding to head back to college after misunderstanding a conversation about watching live college football anywhere with DISH’s app" (MEDIABISTRO.com, 8/4). USA TODAY's Chris Strauss noted the commercial is "the first of two spots" featuring Leinart, Shuler and Bosworth. Look for a former top overall NFL pick to "join the trio in the next commercial, which will debut nationwide in several weeks" (USATODAY.com, 8/4).
NEWTON'S LAW: In Charlotte, Jonathan Jones noted Under Armour yesterday "released a video series" that tracks Panthers QB Cam Newton's offseason. The six-plus-minute first episode is titled "What Will You Do with Your Opportunity" and "shows the rehab process for Newton at Auburn and in Baltimore near UA's headquarters." It also shows Newton "hand-picking his 7-on-7 team for a national competition." The "Huddle Up" series is "one of many brand-building initiatives from Newton." He also is "part of Gatorade's League of Captains, a theme of five NFL players on bottles distributed across the country." Newton is nicknamed "The Blender" in the Gatorade campaign (
CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 8/4).
DO YOU REMEMBER? Foot Locker today launched a new TV spot starring Rockets G James Harden alongside Basketball HOFers Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen. The latest ad, titled "Short Memory Part I," is part of the chain's ongoing "Approved" campaign. It will begin airing on TV today and has already appeared on Foot Locker's official YouTube channel. The spot was produced by BBDO (Foot Locker).
FORE SCORE: In Louisville, David Mann noted locally based Hillerich & Bradsby Co. -- through its Powerbilt Golf and Bionic Glove brands -- is "hosting a reception for the nation's top golf and sports writers" as they come to town for the PGA Championship. The company, which is known for its Louisville Slugger baseball bats, is "putting a whole lot of focus on golf" this week. Bionic Dir of Marketing Cheryl Fink said that the brand "does not have a contract with any touring pro, so the reception is a way for it to get the company’s name out there during the championship festivities" (LOUISVILLE BUSINESS FIRST, 8/1 issue).
