Joe Namath Autographed
Joe Namath Autographed
Why Athletes are the Perfect Team Players in Media
The perfect team players in media are athletes. Being a former professional athlete myself, I know what I want and what I like and I know that my wants and likes influence others.
So why doesn’t the marketing and advertising world tap into the realm of sports more often for creative ideas to market and promote products? I’m not quite sure, but if any agency wants to get ahead and beat the competition they must factor in athletes.
Karl Marx once said, “Religion is the opium of the people.” That might have been true then. Today I would say “sports are the opium of the people.” The fans are “the people,” it doesn’t matter what color, religion, creed, region, economics or even the sport; people have an affinity for sports and for athletes.
On a grand scale sports, and the engine that fuels the games themselves, the athletes, are utilized, maximized and monetized by the big networks and have been for some time. Heck, FOX built its initial business model on football and a cartoon. Yet it amazes me that more agencies don’t tap into this sea of influence to create more compelling campaigns that truly give a return on investment.
Professional athletes are at the top of the “Influencers Pyramid,” anything we do filters down to fans (the consumer utopia), college athletes and students (the sweet spot), on down to high school athletes and students (the gold mine). I’m amused at the different artistic and creative interpretations athletes have on fashion, music, cars and lifestyle in general. Most will agree that it’s a little out of the ordinary, and while I don’t approve or agree with all that’s been done, it is entertaining to watch.
Everyone remembers Joe Namath and the mink coat. Andre Agassi and the bandana. Michael and his Air Jordans. They are the gold standard for the success a brand can enjoy when the power of a professional athlete is applied creatively. I am encouraged by the new campaigns that utilize star athletes. Tiger Woods has his own Gatorade line. Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkley ham it up for T-Mobile. And between Labor Day and Valentine’s Day you can’t change the channel on a Sunday afternoon without seeing a Peyton Manning commercial. But it’s not enough, in my opinion.
If I sound like a pitch man for athletes, you’re right. I have been for some time and that’s because I know athletes are more than sound bites, autographs and names on jerseys.
Take a break, have a laugh
Athletes make good teammates and acclimate well to new surroundings. We work hard under pressure, we are dedicated, determined and most importantly we are disciplined. We have the ability to think on our feet, make important decisions in an instant and we are accountable and responsible. We thrive on competition and are results oriented. Doesn’t this sound like someone you want on your team, helping your brand?
So why are you still reading this article when you could be on the phone, recruiting an athlete to your team?
About the Author
Ryan McNeil is the Founder and CEO of the Professional Business and Financial Network (PBFN) and an All-Pro NFL professional athlete. He founded PBFN as a business membership organization designed to provide professional athletes with the tools to be successful in business now and in their post-athletic careers. Ryan is a National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Player Representative and was selected to serve on the Diversity Committee.
You may also find articles by Ryan at the TalentZoo.com website under Guest Colum.
Where should I sell a signed mini football by 2 former Jets and 1 Jets that is playing?
Autographs are: Joe Namath, Dave Herman, and Willy Walker.
sell it on ebay or try a sports store
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Joe Namath Autographed 1965 Rookie Card Print ~ New York Jets ~ Custom Framed with Photos List Price: $570.00 Sale Price: $379.95  |
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Joe Namath has personally hand signed this Print with a Green Sharpie pen. The Black custom wood frame measures 27x32 inches, and the double matting consists of a Green top matting over a White bottom mat, both acid free... |
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Joe Namath Autographed New York Jets 8x10 Photo List Price: $380.00 Sale Price: $249.95 |
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Joe Namath has personally hand signed this 8x10 Photo with a blue sharpie pen. This item comes with a numbered Online Authentics.com authenticity sticker on the autographed photo, which you can verify online once you purchase it... |
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Joe Namath Autographed New York Jets 8x10 Photo ~ Custom Framed List Price: $450.00 Sale Price: $299.95 |
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Joe Namath has personally hand signed this 8x10 Photo with a Blue Sharpie pen. The Black custom wood frame measures 14x18 inches, and the double matting consists of a Green suade top matting over a White bottom mat, both acid free... |
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Joe Namath, New York Jets Official NFL Autographed Authentic Framed Throwback Football Jersey Sale Price: $798.46 |
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A great collector's piece for any Joe Namath NFL New York Jets fan. This is framed in a 2-inch shadow box frame, double matted, wired and ready for hanging with plexi-glass.This the authentic jersey worn by the player... |
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Joe Namath Autographed/Hand Signed New York Jets Throwback Mini Helmet Sale Price: $224.95 |
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This is a New York Jets throwback mini helmet which was personally autographed by Joe Namath.This was signed on December 13, 2008 and includes a certificate of authenticity from Denver Autographs and JSA authenticated as well as a picture of him signing. |
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Joe Namath Jets Collage 8x10 Photo Color Photo List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $5.95 |
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Show support for your favorite team or player with a high quality full color photo! This 8x10 Photo features Joe Namath in action, and will look great displayed in any fan's home or office. Check out related items below to add a wood plaque with acrylic cover to display this great picture, or have it professionally framed and matted by Collectibles of the Game... |
