The NFL yesterday said that Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch "will not be fined" for the cap he wore during Super Bowl media sessions. In Tacoma, Gregg Bell notes the cap was "made for Lynch by New Era, an NFL partner, and it displayed his 'Beast Mode' brand." Reports during Super Bowl week said that the league was "contemplating fining him because Lynch wasn’t wearing team gear." But NFL VP/Football Communications Michael Signora noted that the cap "was made by an NFL licensee and in Seahawks team colors" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 2/5).
A GAME OF CHICKEN: In DC, Deron Snyder asks why Patriots CB Malcolm Butler "isn’t in a certain franchise’s commercial already." Four years ago, Butler "was working in a fast-food restaurant in his hometown" of Vicksburg, Miss. If his previous employer "is smart, it will re-create the scene and give him the perfect line for a Disney World-type moment: 'I’m going to Popeyes!'" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 2/5).
HIT PARADE: In Boston, Steve Annear notes Patriots QB Tom Brady has "catapulted his Patriots pompom cap to a level of notoriety unheard of for most winter accessories." First, it was a prop on an “SNL” segment "poking fun at the team." Then, it "became a top sartorial choice for Patriots fans who braved the cold" yesterday at the Super Bowl victory parade. Many people "wore pompom hats as they lined the parade route along Boylston and Tremont streets, and those who wore them left no doubt about their inspiration" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/5). Meanwhile, Under Armour Founder, Chair & CEO Kevin Plank said of Brady, who is sponsored by the company, "He’s somebody who really cares about the company. What can I do to help the brand, how we doing in China, how’s the retail rollout doing?” ("Worldwide Exchange," CNBC, 2/5).
CLOTHING IS HER FORTE: In Chicago, Luis Gomez reported Bears RB Matt Forte's wife, Danielle, in December launched the Danielle Forte Collection featuring "skirts, dresses and leggings made for women to wear during their pregnancy and maternity." She said, "When you’re a mom, you sometimes don’t feel cute and comfortable. This line does that for you.” Gomez noted the collection "is available online and at upcoming pop-up shops" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 2/4).
