– Tony Romo, the Dallas Cowboy Quarterback is poised for some big marketing deals in the future [The selling of Romo]. His jersey is now the 9th highest selling NFL Jersey, and he is building his brand exposure by being seen around town with celebrities.
– Some moving and shaking on the smaller scale with former San Fransisco 49ers owner turned Sports Agent Eddie DeBartolo expanding his athlete representation business. He will now include corporate consulting and strengthen his athlete representation division. It’s refreshing seeing a smaller firm expanding in such a competitive market. [Going for gold]
– Well trade week in the AFL is over for another year and as always it provided plenty of movement. Chris Judd‘s journey to the east coast was finalized by joining Carlton on a reported 5 year $6 million deal, making him the highest paid AFL athlete.
AFL Premiers Geelong were desperate to ease their salary cap pressure and they did so by offloading four fringe players. It is understood this relieved about $700,000 from the cap. [Trades save premiers money] A smart move by Geelong, with several top players (including Brownlow Medalist Jimmy Bartel) out of contract next year, they need as much room as they can get.
– America’s favorite NASCAR is slowly becoming a major player in the global sports market. Juan Pablo Montoya has emerged as almost an international ambassador or spokesperson for the series. The former F1 driver’s international fan base is warming to NASCAR, and the driver consistently fronts media from countries such as Italy and Spain. [International drivers broaden NASCAR’s appeal] Not to mention that former Australian V8 Supercar driver Marcus Ambrose will joining NASCAR next season.
– Chris Lesley