AD AGE's Bruell & Schultz cited sources as saying that A-B InBev is "in the midst of a formal media agency review for the U.S." The incumbent agency is Publicis Groupe's Starcom, which was "selected to handle media planning and research duties" in late '11. A-B is "holding a three-hour, joint-agency review briefing session" tomorrow. A subsequent "agency operation walk-through" is planned for Aug. 14-15 (ADAGE.com, 7/18).
JOHNNY CHOCOLATE: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell reported Browns QB Johnny Manziel has "signed on to be the next face of Snickers." Manziel will appear in the Mars-owned candy bar's "You're Not You When You're Hungry" campaign. A national TV spot will "be unveiled closer to the NFL season." Snickers has been an NFL sponsor since '02 (ESPN.com, 7/18).
CAPTAIN AMERICA: EA Sports on Saturday announced that Sounders F Clint Dempsey will appear on the North American cover of "FIFA 15," sharing the honors with FC Barcelona F Lionel Messi. Dempsey's appearance will mark the first time that an American has appeared on the game's cover since '11 (EA).
