NFL Draft prospect Jadeveon Clowney has “signed an endorsement deal with Puma,” according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com. Terms of the deal “were not disclosed.” However, because Puma “doesn't have a deal with the NFL, Clowney can't wear cleats with the Puma logo on the field.” Clowney will be a “big part of the company's upcoming marketing plans.” Puma North America President & GM Jay Piccola said, “He represents everything we are and the consumer we are trying to attract.” Rovell noted Clowney is Puma's “only signee for this year's draft class.” Meanwhile, Nike confirmed yesterday it had “signed all the top quarterbacks in the draft,” including Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Derek Carr and Teddy Bridgewater. Nike also signed WR Mike Evans, WR Odell Beckham Jr., LB Anthony Barr and TE Eric Ebron. Under Armour “confirmed it had signed” WR Marqise Lee, TE Jace Amaro, RB Andre Williams and DE Dee Ford. adidas “confirmed that its endorsers for this draft include” WR Sammy Watkins and RB Carlos Hyde (ESPN.com, 5/7).
JOHNNY LOGO: NFL.com’s Bryan Fischer wrote Manziel is “joining rare company by having his own personalized logo.” Well, “actually two.” Both are “clean and fairly simple while sporting Manziel's famous No. 2.” Although the trademark applications were filed earlier this year, the designs surfacing right before the draft are “merely the latest marketing news to pop up surrounding Manziel” (NFL.com, 5/7). NBCSN's Erik Kuselias said Manziel has "football ability, he has cache, he brings a certain marketability as well -- we're talking about tickets sales, jersey sales -- so are there owners who could be tempted by dollars signs and marketability more than football ability and force their GM to take Manziel?" ("PFT," NBCSN, 5/6).
