NFL Going Without Any Manufacturer Names On Helmets During '14 Season

ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell reported there will be “no more branding on NFL helmets used on the field.” NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said that the league has “decided not to allow any manufacturer to display its company logo on the helmet's nose bumper.” The NFL in ’89 “agreed to give Riddell sole on-field marketing rights to helmets on the field in perpetuity” (ESPN.com, 5/9).

PIZZA SUPREME: Papa John’s Founder, Chair & CEO John Schnatter on Wednesday said company officials were concerned about “getting away from the NFL and getting away from Peyton [Manning] with the success we had” during Q4 ’13. In Louisville, Caitlin Bowling noted company execs said that Papa John’s “has other sports ties” besides Manning and the NFL. Papa John’s Senior VP & CMO Bob Kraut said, “Beyond the NFL, we do have partnerships, in sports that are seasonal throughout the year. So right now, I think we’re reaping some of the benefits of the sports sponsorships that we have in baseball and basketball” (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/8).