Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray last week agreed to a multiyear partnership with timeshare company Silverleaf Resorts. Murray became an owner at Silverleaf just over a month ago and subsequently became an ambassador. A campaign with Murray will include print, digital and online video ads, as well as exclusive meet and greets and other unique experiences for Silverleaf owners. It also includes social media campaigns and promos. Silverleaf is a Cowboys sponsor and intends to feature Murray in his uniform (Silverleaf).
MARCHING TO ITS OWN BEAT: In Toronto, Morgan Campbell writes Beats by Dre, if the brand is in fact covering NFL players' fines, "receives publicity at a bargain rate." And in watching its "main competitor strengthen its position while avoiding the cost of official sponsorship, Bose learns an expensive lesson." In the age of "guerrilla marketing and personal endorsements, attempts to protect exclusivity can backfire -- and often do" (TORONTO STAR, 10/27).
FINDING THE FAIRWAY: Champions Tour AT&T Championship Tournament Dir Colby Callaway said that the 30-year-old event is "hoping to have an announcement soon regarding a new title sponsor." Callaway "declined to identify the company or companies involved in discussions." However, he said the talks have "hot potential." In San Antonio, John Whisler noted the tournament's contract with AT&T, which began in '06, "expires this year" (MYSANANTONIO.com, 10/26).
HEY JEALOUSY: ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen cited sources as saying that any "envy" directed toward Seahawks QB Russell Wilson in the locker room is "more aligned with quarterback dynamics, including the fact the star quarterback has major marketing endorsements." Wilson was asked by the organization if he could "limit some of his endorsements but they were all filmed during the offseason and his CBA-driven base salary of $662,000 is about half" of what backup QB Tarvaris Jackson makes (ESPN.com, 10/26).
