In Baltimore, Jeff Barker reported Under Armor, which often "showcases local athletes and sites" in its ads, is "at it again with a new commercial featuring fighters sparring" at the Baltimore Boxing Club. The commercial is for UA's Muhammad Ali Collection, and it is "interspersed with clips" of Ali. UA has been "integrating Ali, 73, into its multimedia 'Rule Yourself' campaign" with golfer Jordan Spieth, Warriors G Stephen Curry, Patriots QB Tom Brady and ballerina Misty Copeland (Baltimore SUN, 11/5).
STAYING ON MESSAGE: In N.Y., Alex Williams in a Style section piece writes Patriots QB Tom Brady, as brand ambassador for Tag Heuer, is "not paid to delve into the details," but instead paid to lend his "aura" to the brand. Williams: "No wonder that, in an event as scripted as one of Bill Belichick's game plans, Mr. Brady spent the whole interview on message." Brady said, "When I made a few bucks early in my career, that was kind of the first thing I splurged on, was a Tag. That's why I think it's such a great, organic fit. I had always worn the brand." When "pressed" about his collection, Brady "seemed to stiffen" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/6).
NO BIG GAME HERE: In Columbus, Evan Weese reported that Nationwide Insurance will "watch Super Bowl 50 from the sidelines." The company last year stole "advertising's biggest stage" with its commercial highlighting dangers in the home, "officially called 'Boy' but commonly referred to as the 'Dead Kid' ad." Nationwide CFO Mark Thresher said that the decision "was made" by new CMO Terrance Williams. The company "sank an estimated" $6.75M into the 45-second spot. It was Nationwide's "first return to Super Bowl advertising" in seven years (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/5).
