Sports fans most likely remember Kathy Ireland for her appearances in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue, or perhaps even for her turn as a placekicker in the 1991 college football comedy “Necessary Roughness.” Now 55, Ireland has been a successful entrepreneur with her own company for more than a quarter century. She made a surprise appearance at the NFLPA Super Bowl press conference, where the union announced that she is now on the board of directors of Players Inc., the group’s for-profit marketing and licensing arm. SBJ caught up with Ireland to ask about her new role.
Kathy Ireland is now a business leader.getty images
How did you connect with the NFLPA?
IRELAND: They must have seen my field-goal kicking. They approached our offices.
What is kathy ireland Worldwide?
IRELAND: It started in 1993 with a pair of socks and we are now a design and marketing firm. We have expanded into everything; apparel to business to diamonds to homes.
How will you support Players Inc.?
IRELAND: One [way] is bringing connections and opportunities to their players. My goodness, 25 years in this industry [means] a lot of failures along the way, so hopefully I can help the players avoid some of that.
