When we think of athlete and endorsement deals, we think of cool Nike commercials and inspiring Gatorade ads. But not all endorsement deals feature smart, creative, and visually stimulating advertising.
The following are the 17 most bizarre endorsement deals to feature professional athletes and coaches. Be warned, it’s going to get weird.
1) Danica Patrick and GoDaddy
GoDaddy and Danica Patrick go way back with over-the-top, trying-to-be-erotic Super Bowl commercials that egg viewers to go online to see what happens next. Nothing says host your website here more than rac ecar drivers, provocative undertones, and a name like GoDaddy!
2) Akinori Otsuka and Corky’s Pest Control
It’s the perfect day for a picnic for this Brewers pitcher dressed from head to toe in uniform. That is, it's perfect until giant cartoon ants show up and he’s inexplicably compelled to destroy his entire meal with a bat. And then break into song.
3) Rob Binoras and Copier Pros
Because when making a commercial with an overly aggressive football athlete, the kicker is the first that comes to mind.
4) Ray Lewis, LaVar Arrington, Clinton Portis and Eastern Motors
These football players are really feeling the new single by Eastern Motors. Seriously, this is their jam!
5) Carson Palmer and John Morrell
What have you done, Carson Palmer? What have you done?
6) Jonathan Ogden and Gebco Insurance
Nothing will compel a viewer to purchase automobile insurance more than a dancing 11-time pro-bowler and offensive tackle.
7) Tom Brady and UGG
As a professional football player and leader of the New England Patriots, it takes strong character to represent the number one shoe brand for middle-aged women. That, or a whole lot of money.
8) Pete Rose and Kool-Aid
There’s something creepy about the Kool-Aid man and the “Hot Kids” theme song playing in the background. The fact that Pete Rose is in the commercial only makes it weirder.
9) Manny Ramirez and Sum Poosie
It’s an energy drink…
10) Brock Lesnar and Scent Killer
The ferocity with which Brock Lesnar hits that punching bag makes one wonder what exactly Lesnar is advertising to kill.
11) Wilt Chamberlain and Fletcher’s Laxative
If there’s anything worse than admitting you needed laxative growing up, it's your mother admitting it for you.
12) Muhammad Ali and d-CON Roach Traps
“I think they’re beautiful.” This is copywriting at its best.
13) Bob Knight, Mike Krzyzewski, Rick Pitino, Roy Williams and Guitar Hero Metallica
Famous college basketball coaches and Metallica make for a random combination for a commercial. It's funny. But very random.
14) Joe Namath and Hanes Beautymist Pantyhose
No one will ever know what was going on inside this hall of fame quarterback’s head during the shooting of this commercial. However, everyone knows what was going on in his head after it aired: regret.
15) Michael Jordan and Hanes
When Jordan decided to rock the Hitler stache, no one at Hanes gathered the courage to tell his airness, “Hey man, that freaking creepy.” It’s unclear who calls the shots in this endorsement deal.
16) Jimmy Johnson and Extenze
It’s childish and immature to poke fun at former football coach Jimmy Johnson for this endorsement deal. You be the bigger man, Jimmy.
17) Charles Barkley and Weight Watchers
This is just disturbing.