Question: re: The Face of a Brand

[EarlJam]

Earlier, I watched a Hanes commercial featuring Michael Jordan. Speaking with a friend tonight, I asked him if he'd seen the new Nike commercial.

Jordan's "brand" is connected to the Nike brand like Siamese twins at the hip.

My question: Has there ever been an athlete so connected with a brand in the history of sports? If not, who are the contenders? Tiger and Nike?

Just a thought for throwing out there. Jordan = Nike. I feel like he helped found the company.

-EJ

[DukeDude]

Arnold Palmer and Penzoil

Rafael Palmeiro and Viagra

[hurleyfor3]

C'mon, EJ, you're an Orioles fan. I know you remember the Jim Palmer ads.

[wilson]

In a bit of synergy with the Mike Tyson thread, I move that we also consider the brand of a face.

[throatybeard]

Dan Marino / Isotoner gloves

[captmojo]

Bob Mathias/Wheaties

[EarlJam]

C'mon, EJ, you're an Orioles fan. I know you remember the Jim Palmer ads.

True, Jockey.

Oddly, as wildly popular as Cal was/is, he never became a major spokesperson for a brand. Yes, I know he's done tons of commercials, but I don't think anyone links him to a brand.

Captain Kirk = Priceline!

-EJ

[Bostondevil]

Richard Petty and STP.

[wilson]

Richard Petty and STP.

I thought of that one too...though he's probably got an even stronger lock as the face of Goody's headache powder.

[wilson]

Also Nolan Ryan and Advil (which he always pronounced "ADvul).

[Rich]

For the NYers among us, "This is Phil Rizzuto for the Money Store!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQHQkuv9l0

[rasputin]

Unfortunately, Joltin' Joe

[Johnboy]

Mr. Whipple - Charmin

According to a 1970s survey, "Mr. Whipple" topped then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter as the most recognizable face in North America. According to Charmin makers Proctor & Gamble, a 1978 survey found that "Mr. Whipple" was the third best-known American, behind recently-ousted President Richard Nixon and evangelist Billy Graham.

Maytag repairman - Maytag



. . . and the best one isn't even a face: Thurl Ravenscroft was Tony the Tiger's voice (and the singing voice in the original Grinch cartoon).

[BlueDevilBaby]

Wicked Witch of the West and Maxwell House.

Mr. Kool-Aid and Mr. Peanut (what else are they going to do?).

Orville R - for crying out loud, they have to bring him back from the dead now to sell popcorn.

All I can think of for now.

[Indoor66]

Bucky Beaver & Ipana Toothpaste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7WMABRjTjM