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Shaq’s Impressive Endorsement Resume
If you don’t know Shaq from his time playing basketball in the NBA, you certainly have seen him on your TV in one commercial or another. That’s because Shaq’s endorsement resume is absolutely stacked, and the NBA legend has had no shame in working with companies large and small, because nowadays the former player is an all-out businessman.
From food, to medical ointments and everything in between, Shaq’s been a major force in selling products for a ton of notable big-name brands, and his endorsement means a ton, because everybody loves Shaq! He’s always smiling, and most of the things he’s backing are brands only re-affirming their consumers, as well as drawing in new ones. Here’s his best ever.
Papa John’s
Shaq has recently joined the Papa John’s family, joining Peyton Manning in promoting one of America’s three largest pizza delivery companies. He also created a special extra large pie that comes with extra cheese and pepperoni for ultimate effect. He’s also on the brand’s board of directors and owns nine restaurants and nearly 90,000 shares of company stock, in addition to his endorsement deal.
Gold Bond
You’ve almost definitely seen Shaq in a Gold Bond commercial because the NBA big man has been endorsing them for a number of years now. The skincare brand makes sense, since they make many products that any athlete who’s always sweating can use. He’s always using a quirky catch phrase for their latest product, and of course, his smile’s also convincing.
Taco Bell
When Shaq was featured in a Taco Bell spot, he was diagnosed with taco-neck syndrome which prevented him from being able to resist turning his head to bite into the crunchy taco. The partnership was in part with Yummy Brands, who own Taco Bell and also other Shaq sponsors, including Pepsi.
Icy Hot
Shaq’s been working with Icy Hot for nearly 20 years now, and the two’s relationship has become a staple in representative brand advertising. Shaq is almost synonymous with Icy Hot, and his profession as an athlete backs up what the company is selling.
Nestle Crunch
Shaq’s time in Los Angeles also featured him as an ambassador for Crunch candy bars by Nestle, in which he promoted a variety pack that featured assorted Nestle Crunch flavors. This was also back in the day when coupons were still sent out and used by households everywhere!
Pepsi
Pepsi is by far one of the biggest brands in the world, and a popular sports figure like Shaq really helped emphasize the soda company in sports, a place where sugary drinks are seldom accepted. The partnership also featured a special edition 6-pack of glass bottles with the custom Shaq designs on them.
Wheaties
Since Shaq is literally a larger-than-life figure, it only makes sense that he finds his way onto the most coveted promotional athlete endorsement of all time – Wheaties. The famous NBA center also unveiled his whole campaign in front of a bunch of school kids, in addition to signing autographs and giving out boxes of the cereal. What a wholesome guy.
Zales
Shaq’s entire jewelry line at Zales features 36 different, original pieces, all of which are priced at under $500. His items are made for both men and women, and were completed in part with a husband and wife design team in mind. Shaq loves to endorse them specifically for their “style and sophistication.”
Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk’s campaign with Shaq was unlike any other, mainly because it featured augmented reality, an idea it promoted both in commercials and using the actual bottle. The idea was, record a video of your Muscle Milk bottle, and a virtual Shaq would pop up on the cap thanks to it up to a camera. Keep in mind, back in 2009 this was advanced technology.
Reebok
Not only were Reebok and Shaq partners long ago early in his career, but the two are reuniting thanks to a new brand deal with Authentic Brands Group. They’re even bringing in a rap beef between him and current NBA All-Star Damian Lillard, which is really great marketing.
