Red Bull Releases Promo Around Kris Bryant Hype, With Cameos From Chicago Celebs

Cubs 3B Kris Bryant has signed an endorsement deal with Red Bull, becoming just the second MLBer to partner with the energy drink. Rays 3B Evan Longoria also has a deal with the company. Bryant made his highly anticipated debut with the Cubs last Friday (THE DAILY). In Des Moines, Jace Evans reports to mark the new sponsorship deal, Red Bull recently released a promo that "captured the hype in Chicago" surrounding the call-up of Bryant with a video that "features interviews with regular fans and celebrities alike." Pro Football HOFer Mike Ditka, Bulls C Joakim Noah, former MLBer Ron Cey and musician Billy Corgan "are the video's most notable faces." Bryant "spends about half of his time on screen on a farm" and "at one point, he 'milks' a cow and he is also seen walking a goat (a not-so-subtle nod to Chicago's 'curse')." The "vibe of the video is very much that Bryant is finally 'here' rather than 'there'" (DES MOINES REGISTER, 4/20). The CHICAGO TRIBUNE noted Bryant in the video also is "strolling amid chickens ... and belting baseballs into cornfields." Cubs fans and Chicago celebs "debate the impact Bryant will have on helping the team." Ditka in the video says, "They called you up. Now's your time; the wait is over" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 4/19).