Lamar Jackson: Is He Leaving Opportunities on the Table with Endorsements?
Lamar Jackson: The NFL’s Highest-Paid Player Missing Out on Endorsements?
Lamar Jackson is now officially the NFL’s highest-paid player, thanks to his monumental $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. With an average annual salary of $52 million over five years, the 26-year-old quarterback has firmly cemented his position as one of the league’s top talents.
Jackson’s accolades are as impressive as his paycheck. The 2019 MVP boasts a stellar 45-16 record as the Ravens’ leader and ranks fifth all-time in rushing yards among quarterbacks. Following a challenging 2022 season plagued by illness and injuries, Jackson is eager to lead the Ravens back to glory, with Super Bowl LVIII firmly in his sights. It’s been a decade since the team’s last championship win in the Har-bowl, but with Jackson at the helm, their prospects look bright.
A Marketer’s Dream
Jackson is a dream come true for marketers—young, dynamic, globally recognized, and earning massive wages. Many NFL stars turn their fame into lucrative endorsement deals, with Rob Gronkowski setting the gold standard. Gronk has partnered with brands like Nike, T-Mobile, Dunkin’ Donuts, Visa, and BodyArmor, to name a few, leveraging endorsements to amass wealth without even touching his football earnings.
However, Lamar Jackson’s endorsement portfolio is noticeably sparse. Despite his superstar status, he lacks the major brand deals that many of his peers enjoy. Without an agent to broker these opportunities, Jackson has relied on his own negotiation skills, but this has left his endorsement exposure limited compared to other top players.
Jackson’s Endorsement Landscape
Jackson does have some partnerships, though they’re relatively few. He’s a long-time ambassador for Oakley, regularly showcasing their sunglasses and face shields with innovative Prizm™ Clear technology. This deal places him alongside Patrick Mahomes, another elite quarterback in the Oakley family.
Beyond Oakley, Jackson’s endorsement activities are minimal. He appeared in a Pizza Hut commercial in 2018 and represents the VR game NFL Pro Era, the first NFL and NFLPA-licensed virtual reality experience. Additionally, he has ventured into business investments, such as his stake in Play Action Soulfood and More, a Florida-based restaurant.
Yet, compared to players like Mahomes, who works with Adidas, Bose, and State Farm, Jackson’s brand exposure is significantly limited. His decision to forego an agent, opting to be represented by himself and his mother, Felicia Jones, may contribute to this disparity.
Is Jackson Leaving Money on the Table?
Lamar Jackson’s current status as the NFL’s highest-paid player underscores his exceptional talent and negotiation prowess. However, his earning potential extends far beyond his Ravens salary. Endorsements represent a significant revenue stream for athletes, and Jackson’s relatively light portfolio suggests untapped opportunities.
While it may be a matter of personal choice or strategy, embracing endorsements could elevate Jackson’s global profile and financial standing. After all, even with an agent’s cut, a multimillion-dollar deal is far better than leaving money on the table. As his star continues to rise, the door remains open for Jackson to explore the lucrative world of endorsements and maximize his marketability.
Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/lamar-jackson-is-he-missing-a-trick-with-endorsements/