Adidas signed Cardinals first-round pick QB Josh Rosen as a brand endorser. Rosen will participate in brand marketing campaigns and collaborate on the design and creation of future football products and training apparel. Rosen played in college at UCLA, which wore Adidas until this past season. Other first-round picks to sign with Adidas include Broncos DE Bradley Chubb, Dolphins S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Chargers S Derwin James, Packers CB Jaire Alexander, Saints DE Marcus Davenport, Titans LB Rashaan Evans, Vikings CB Mike Hughes and Patriots RB Sony Michel (THE DAILY).
THE NEW DEAL: In Illinois, Aaron Ferguson noted Under Armour became the "next outfitter" for all Bradley Univ. sports and "will provide on-field and training gear for student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff." Adidas was the "first brand to outfit every Bradley sports team when independent deals struck by the baseball and men’s basketball teams expired" following the '14-15 school year (Peoria JOURNAL STAR, 6/5). In Baltimore, Holden Wilen notes terms of the deal "were not disclosed." For UA, the deal is "notable because it shows a continued effort to expand its roster of endorsements after recently pulling out" of the MLB deal (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/4).
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: Green Bay-based Associated Bank signed a deal with former Packers WR Donald Driver and Pro Football HOFer Jerry Kramer in celebration of 100 seasons with the Packers and an extended partnership with Packers WR Randall Cobb. The trio will be featured this season in the bank's fan and customer engagement campaign with a wide range of marketing activities and community initiatives (Associated Bank).
HEALTH HAZARD: In Ottawa, Tom Spears reported parents who bought a Senators onesie for their babies last fall are "being urged to return the garment as it has been deemed a choking risk." The metal snaps that close the onesie "could be a choking hazard if they fall off." About 5,100 of the onesies "were sold." They are red, with a Senators logo on the front and the "Canadian Tire logo on the sleeve" (OTTAWASUN.com, 6/4).
