an All American at the University of Mississippi

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Cowboys’ pick Ezekiel Elliott part of impressive draft

This year’s top National Football League prospects are going to the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles,and San Diego Chargers, but almost all of themjoined another teamin Beaverton, Ore., too.

Nike Inc. extended its recent investment in American footballbysigning endorsement contracts with a startling15 members of the rookie NFL class. So did offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, an All American at the University of Mississippi, Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, a running back fromthe University of Alabama and the Dallas Cowboys’ pick at No. 4, Ohio State University running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Nike declined to discuss its draft day strategy or how much it’s paying therookies. The contracts are for three to four years apiece, in line with deals Nike cuts with prospects in professional basketball and soccer. Still, for a sport as brutal as football, Nike’s investment isakin to betting on horses thatrace in minefields.

The average length of an NFL career is a hotly debated topic . But it’s safe
http://www.coltsgearproshop.com/Colts-Frank-Gore-Jersey.html to say a lot of these guys if not most won’t be superstars in five years. Since then, James
http://www.coltsgearproshop.com/Colts-Robert-Mathis-Jersey.html has rushed for fewerthan 200 yards as he grappled with injuries. Moments before the draft kicked off on Thursday, a video was posted purportingto show himsmoking a bong through a gas mask. Then, at a press conference, a reporter askedTunsil ifhe took money from college coaches. The lineman once considered the most talented player of his classslipped to the 13th pick. Yikes.

But all these guys will be plastered in Swooshes anyway, as Nike is the league’s official uniform supplier, at least through the 2019 season. These deals are largely about the shoes: In pro
http://www.coltsgearproshop.com/Colts-Donte-Moncrief-Jersey.html football, athletes can wear whatever brand of cleats they like, much as inWorld Cup soccer. And then there’s the requisite advertisements and public appearances, of course.

Nike executives know the NFL survivor statistics as well as anyone. By 2020, many of these guys will be coaching high school ball or leading CrossFit classes. But the players are to the shoemaker what tech startups are to venture capitalists: Most will go bust, but the rare success pays off big. Plus, this early on, the ante isstill pretty cheap. Friday in New York.)

Look at the upside. Before the 2015 draft, Nike grabbed the consensus top picks, quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, who each showed star potential in hisfirst year in the pros. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper and Rams running back Todd Gurley, two more Nike first rounders from last year, also paid
http://www.coltsgearproshop.com/Colts-Pat-McAfee-Jersey.html immediate dividends. Cooper even starred in a commercial days before he was drafted.

Winning, in the sports sponsorship game, isn’t everything. Equally important is not losing. When the next Stephen Curry enterspro sports, Nike wants to be sure it doesn’t blow it and watch him rake in cashforAdidas AG or Under Armour. Under Armour’s NFL roster already includes New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as well as Carolina’s Newtonand Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy.

As much as Nike’s draft day play may look like a Hail Mary, it’s really all about defense.

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