In Denver, Tamara Chuang notes Peyton Manning two days before Papa John's ended its deal as the official pizza sponsor of the NFL "sold off his stake in 31 Denver-area Papa John’s locations." Papa John's Senior Dir of PR Peter Collins confirmed via email that Manning had "sold his stake, which was part of a joint venture with Papa John’s International after 'six successful and rewarding years.'” Collins said that Manning "remains Papa John’s celebrity spokesperson and brand ambassador as part of his long-term agreement with the brand" (DENVER POST, 3/7).
MACK ON TRACK: In Pennsylvania, Jon Harris noted Raiders DE Khalil Mack, along with his father Sandy, on Monday "finally got behind the wheel" of a Mack Truck, "making laps at the Mack Customer Center track in Allentown." The two "stopped by the Lehigh Valley as part of Khalil Mack’s ongoing sponsorship agreement with Mack Trucks." Khalil Mack "helped the truck maker launch its new highway truck, the Mack Anthem, in September and the partnership has continued." It is just "one example of how Mack Trucks has repositioned the brand in recent years" (Allentown MORNING CALL, 3/6).
SKITTLES GOES BEAST MODE: CBSSPORTS.com's Will Brinson noted Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch in a new spot for Skittles goes to a retirement home to "introduce old people to 'Sweet Heat' Skittles, a new flavor that is both sweet and spicy." Lynch in the spot "flies up into a group of golf carts" and "slams on the brakes of his Skittles golf cart" (CBSSPORTS.com, 3/6).
