How A Brand Can Benefit From Using A Former Athlete As A Spokesperson

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CelebExperts, LLC, as a top brand marketing agency is asked all the time what would a brand do with these former athletes to generate sales?  A brand can leverage the influence, credibility, and personal appeal of former athletes in various ways to generate sales. CelebExperts team has amassed some of the greatest of all times to show where and how a brand can benefit from using a former athlete as a spokesperson:

1. Product Endorsements

  • How: Use the athlete’s name, image, or signature to endorse products, whether on packaging, advertisements, or digital media.
  • Example: Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike’s Air Jordan brand revolutionized the sneaker industry.

2. Social Media Campaigns

  • How: Engage athletes to promote products via their social media platforms. Their personal following adds authenticity and direct access to a targeted audience.
  • Example: Serena Williams posting about fitness gear or luxury brands on Instagram.

3. Commercials and Advertisements

  • How: Feature the athlete in TV, online, or print ads. Their presence captures attention and creates emotional connections.
  • Example: Peyton Manning’s humorous Nationwide Insurance commercials that reinforce trust and relatability.

4. Brand Ambassador Roles

  • How: Hire the athlete as a long-term ambassador to represent the brand at events, in interviews, and across campaigns.
  • Example: David Beckham as a global ambassador for Adidas and H&M.

5. Co-Branding and Product Collaboration

  • How: Collaborate on co-branded products that tie the athlete’s legacy to the brand.
  • Example: Usain Bolt’s Puma shoe line appeals to fitness enthusiasts and track athletes.

6. Signature Product Lines

  • How: Develop a product line with the athlete’s input and branding, such as apparel, footwear, or equipment.
  • Example: Tony Hawk’s skateboarding gear and video games capitalized on his expertise and following in extreme sports.

7. Inspirational Campaigns

  • How: Feature athletes in campaigns that highlight their journey, resilience, and values, tying those stories to the brand’s mission.
  • Example: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaigns often feature athletes like Venus Williams to inspire action.

8. Event Appearances and Meet-and-Greets

  • How: Organize events where fans can interact with the athlete, boosting brand engagement and sales.
  • Example: Abby Wambach appearing at a youth soccer event for a sports apparel brand to drive family-oriented sales.

9. Content Creation

  • How: Feature the athlete in videos, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content related to your product.
  • Example: Simone Biles demonstrating fitness routines using a brand’s athletic equipment.

10. Digital Experiences and NFTs

  • How: Launch digital products like exclusive video messages, NFTs, or interactive experiences featuring the athlete.
  • Example: Michael Phelps launching a line of digital swim workouts alongside a fitness tracker brand.

11. Advocacy and Cause Marketing

  • How: Tie the athlete’s philanthropic efforts or personal causes to your brand’s mission, creating campaigns that resonate with socially conscious consumers.
  • Example: Venus Williams collaborating with brands that support equality or mental health initiatives.

12. Limited-Time Promotions

  • How: Launch exclusive sales or collections tied to the athlete’s involvement.
  • Example: A “Shaq-Size” menu promotion at a fast-food chain to increase foot traffic and sales.

13. Video or Interactive Ads

  • How: Use the athlete in creative, interactive ads on platforms like YouTube, where users can engage directly with the content.
  • Example: Usain Bolt appearing in a gamified ad for a running shoe, challenging users to “race” him virtually.

14. In-Store or Online Exclusives

  • How: Use the athlete’s endorsement to create in-store displays, exclusive online offers, or branded sections.
  • Example: A “Serena Williams Collection” displayed prominently in stores.

15. Cross-Platform Campaigns

  • How: Combine TV, social media, digital ads, and in-person events to create a cohesive campaign.
  • Example: Nike’s campaigns featuring LeBron James, spanning billboards, YouTube ads, and influencer collaborations.

16.  Demographic Fit

               * How: Creating content, digital ads and print materials that will be delivered to a specific demographic that the athlete naturally aligns with.

               * Example:  Boost Nutrition’s campaign with Olympic icon Dara Torres focused on explaining why protein is so important to woman over 50 years old.  Dara spoke to the lifestyle, age and body changes which highlighted the brands specific goals.

By using these strategies, brands consult with CelebExperts who can assist in securing the ideal spokesperson who can not only generate sales but also build deeper emotional connections with their audience, increase brand visibility, and align their products with the values and aspirational qualities of the former athlete.

To set up a cost and risk free 30 minute consultation pls contact the agency CEO Evan Morgenstein at  or through his Linkedin account www.linkedin.com/in/evanmorgenstein

CelebExperts, LLC is an industry leader in leveraging influence for its array of  brand partners.