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The man most assume will be called first in tonight’s draft is now the newest face of PUMA. South Carolina defensive-end and soon to be pro Jadeveon Clowney signed with the German sportswear company, offering this quote to ESPN.com on the new deal:
“I just want to be a part of something different,” said Clowney. “Why not change it up?”
While PUMA currently has endorsement arrangements with Cordarrelle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings, Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots and Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs, the brand does not have a deal with the NFL. According to a tweet from NFL.com’s Gil Brandt posted by Bleacher Report, the league is Nike-only when it comes to on field brand visibility. Charles, an all-pro running back, played last season in unbranded cleats while repping PUMA off the field via footwear and apparel. Based on Charles’ endorsement and the brand’s gift to Clowney of a $2,500 “Snakeskin” GV Special custom, one would imagine that Jadeveon will join NFL peers and recent artist acquisitions in lifestyle campaigns.
PUMA GV Special “Snakeskin” Custom for Jadeveon Clowney (photo via Darren Rovell)Tune in to the NFL Draft tonight to see where Clowney goes and keep it locked to NiceKicks.com for updates on what he’s wearing on and off the field this season.
Lead image by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images via Zimbio
