ESPN.com's Darren Rovell reported Gold Medal-winning U.S. gymnast Simone Biles has "signed her first post-Games endorsement deal," a multiyear deal with Mattress Firm, the largest mattress retailer in the U.S. Mattress Firm CEO Ken Murphy said that the company will "use Biles in Houston, where the company is headquartered and where Biles has lived since she was 3 years old." Murphy said that Biles is the "perfect spokesperson for the company's program of supporting foster homes." Biles was "in and out of foster facilities as a child before she was taken in and raised by her grandfather and his second wife" (ESPN.com, 9/20).
POKER FACE: In Charlotte, Theoden Janes notes the city's Humane Society is "banking on" Panthers coach Ron Rivera's "popularity to help sell a limited-edition T-shirt." It "features a cartoon version of Rivera in trademark transition lenses and a riverboat gambler outfit, holding up a playing card with an 'R' on it and leaning on an oversized football." The "'Riverboat Ron' shirts will be printed" by Greenville, S.C.-based Dapper Ink Custom Outfitters. This is the "third major fundraiser the Riveras have done for the Humane Society of Charlotte" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/21).
IT'S IN THE HOLE! Murray Brothers and Resignation Media today announced the launch of William Murray Golf, a lifestyle and apparel brand centered around Bill Murray. To coincide with Murray's birthday today, William Murray Golf released a special Chicago-themed polo and two hats, a month before the full line's launch. Golfer Pat Perez will serve as William Murray Golf's first brand ambassador, and he will be outfitted in the product while he plays on the PGA Tour (Resignation Media).
IT GIVES YOU WINGS: In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle reports ticket sales for the Red Bull Air Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month are being "supercharged" by a $2M, multimedia marketing campaign paid for jointly by IMS and Red Bull. The energy drink brand "intends to boost interest by offering rides in its two-seat race planes," and IMS will "hold several events downtown to ratchet up excitement in the week leading up to the race" (INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/19 issue).
