Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman's star is on the rise. After the Seahawks' recent visit to the White House, Sherman made a video for first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" Campaign. Just weeks later, he's slated to be the new "Mama's Boy" for Campbell's Chunky Soup's beloved series of commercials. Also, he's in the final running to be on the cover of Madden 15. Though with rumors of a curse, that last one might not be such great news. Just ask Cam Newton's coach.
Campbell's Chunky Soup has a great appeal because it captures the tough guy angle and the "mama's boy" angle simultaneously. It's a pretty genius exploitation of our expectations. Sherman's debut will add another subtle angle. He's very confrontational, not afraid to be political, but he also has a sense of humor and most importantly he doesn't take himself too seriously.
Sherman's charisma makes him likeable even when he upsets the status quo by tackling sensitive subjects like race. He certainly won over the commercial crew when he filmed his Campbell's spot (via NFL.com):
"Richard is something like a real-life animated character. Whether it's the smile, the dreads or the quick wit, it is hard not to smile and be entertained when around him. Commercial shoots are usually long and sometimes extremely boring, with hot lights, constant takes and long hours involved. It's sometimes hard to stay upbeat. However, Sherman was always on, whether it was during the actual acting part of the day or while cracking jokes with his mother and brother."
Of course endorsements are a part of pro sports, particularly when you're a superstar. But what if you don't want a certain gig? What if it's cursed? For years that's what people have said about EA Sports' Madden Football (via ESPN):
"Being on the cover of the video game hasn't been kind to many of those who have graced it. There's a solid history of the player selected either getting hurt, seeing a noticeable decrease in production, or his team having a bad season.
"And sometimes all three happen."
Reportedly Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera voted for Sherman so his QB Cam Newton wouldn't win.
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