MilordSuccotash

Playoff bound and Super Bowl hungry, at week 10 both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning
are set to face off this Sunday in one of the most anticipated games of the 2009-2010 NFL season. Brady has a mere two losses with the Patriots, and Manning’s Colts have yet to be defeated. However, beyond the field these two battle in endorsements. Thus we are compelled to consider what distinguishes these two Super Bowl MVPs marketing wise? Who’s banking the bucks and why? Moreover, are these two maximizing their brand potential?

The four-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady is very bankable. Additionally, the charismatic Brady is a handsome guy with spunk, not to mention he is married to the hottest model in fashion, Gisele Bündchen. On the field the resilient Brady looks promising, making a full recovery from a preseason shoulder injury and going on to lead his Pats to a 6-2 record with an overall QB rating of 99.2 and 16 touchdowns as of week 9 this season. Off the field, Brady has endorsement deals with Glaceau Smartwater, cologne maker Stetson and Movado watches, additionally he’s a spokesman for Audi. Brady’s endorsements total to an estimated $4 million dollars, combined with a his $8 million dollar salary with the Pats, grand totaling $12 million dollars.

Past Super Bowl MVP, nine-time Pro Bowler amongst other passing and all pro awards,  Peyton Manning is a winner within his own right. Moreover, Peyton posesses a strong football pedigree with his father, NFL quarterback Archie and Super Bowl champion MVP brother Eli Manning. On the field, the indomitable Manning has lead his Colts to a remarkable 8-0 record with a overall QB rating of 105.2 and 16 touchdowns as of week 9 this season. Off the field Manning has endorsements with DirecTV, Gatorade, Nerf, Oreo, MasterCard, Reebok, Sony and Wheaties. Manning’s endorsements total to an estimated $9 million dollars, combined with his $11.5 million dollar salary with the Colts grand totaling $20.5 million dollars.

Marketing specialists state that Tom sparingly appears in advertisements wearing the Patriots uniform, a preference that discourages NFL sponsors as they pay significant dollars to utilize teams’ name and likeness in ads. However the truth remains, Tom Brady is comfortable with satisfying the minimum when it comes to generating ancillary streams of revenue. Brady’s agents should parlay his on the field celebrity status off the field and venture outside of his comfort zone to enhance his brand. Brady lives in New York, an epicenter of the media world. He’s popular amongst paparazzi as he is frequently fodder for Page six of the New York Post  with his super model wife Gisele Bündchen. Not to mention he’s GQ’s “Man of the Year.” Brady should make cameo television appearances, take on small roles in big films, and he should secure endorsements with top clothing lines such as American stalwart, Polo Ralph Lauren in addition to ramping up his philanthropy efforts. Increasing his exposure off of the field while utilizing his on field success will dramatically increase his brand’s value and lead to lucrative consumer products endorsement deals. To the contrary Mr. Manning, who often appears in uniform, has a likeable personality and appeals to the southern average football fan and therefore banks the deals. Peyton is maximizing his brand potential. Watch these two in action as they go head to head this Sunday at 8:20pm on NBC, may the strongest prevail.

Mighty Milord! Without Sucka! Succotash

ESPN's Bob Holtzman reports from Indianapolis on how difficult it is to prepare for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.