Posted on 05/25/2012 6:47:14 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver has always been a fan favorite in Wisconsin.
But after his win on "Dancing With The Stars" with his dance partner, Peta Murgatroyd, Driver's national profile has increased markedly.
That's the word from Brian Lammi, who runs Lammi Sports Management. Lammi has been working with Driver for 10 years to develop his marketing career and recently inked a new 25-year deal to work with the Packers star.
"We certainly have felt an immediate increase in PR requests and national media requests," Lammi said. "We also had a number of requests for national speaking engagements."
Driver's life story is compelling. Driver had a difficult upbringing, once living in a U-Haul van and dabbling in drug dealing. He cleaned up his act, became a star and is regarded as one of the toughest receivers in the National Football League.
Now thanks to "Dancing With the Stars," people nationwide want to know more about him.
Driver has made personal speaking appearances before. According to Lammi, he has spoken to groups at Northwestern Mutual, Frito-Lay, Sargento, Motorola and Lands' End. Now new companies are calling.
"I do think we're seeing an increase in potential requests from companies that would like him to come," Lammi said.
"He has an incredible story. Outgoing, personable guy. He's about overcoming obstacles, working hard and staying focused," Lammi said.
In the endorsement world, Driver has worked with McDonald's, Nike and Kwik Trip, to name a few. He also has a longstanding relationship with Goodwill.
Now, Lammi is looking for some bigger, more meaningful deals. "We have pared down some of his commitments, so we can look for deeper, more integrated relationships. We are in a good position to add a few," Lammi said.
(Excerpt) Read more at jsonline.com ...
At the link, there are dates listed for a “Welcome Home” TV program devoted to Driver’s return to Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee airing will be election night.
Wisconsin Donald Driver ping
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
You don’t have to be able to dance to win Dancing With The Stars. All you have to be is an athlete.
Half of the winners of Dancing With the Stars have been athletes - 7 out of 14. Says all you need to know about how culture (sports hero worship) trumps talent. Katherine Jenkins was by far the better dancer. I’ve only watched the last two episodes and that was patently obvious.
From: http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2012/05/23/athletes-steal-the-show-on-dancing-with-the-stars/
“Driver becomes the seventh athlete to win the competition and the third NFL player, following Emmitt Smith (season 3) and Hines Ward (season 12). Other athletes to win the Mirrorball Trophy are speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno (season 4), IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves (5), figure-skater Kristi Yamaguchi (6) and gymnast Shawn Johnson (8).
Other past champions include model Kelly Monaco (1), singer Drew Lachey of 98 Degrees (2), model Brooke Burke (7), singer Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls (10), actress Jennifer Gray (11) and retired U.S. soldier J.R. Martinez (13).”
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Being an athlete sure didn’t help Martina Navrotilova! She really looked clumsy.
I only watched the last 2 shows, but I liked the dance that Katherine and her partner did the best (to Splish Splash). I think that her problem is that she made it look too easy. She never missed a beat and nary a drop of sweat appeared on her brow, whereas Donald looked like he was trying SO hard.
Donald is a great favorite in Wisconsin, so I’m sure that Packer fans voting put him over the top. I had to have an MRI on my knee last week. I wanted to wear really comfortable clothes to this exam, so I showed up in a pair of knit pants and a Green Bay sweatshirt. (Everyone in Wisconsin has at least one GB garment.) The X-ray Tech asked if I were wearing the shirt for Donald Driver. LOL. I guess it was the day you were supposed to call in and cast your vote. I wasn’t; and I didn’t, but you have to give him credit for his performance.
Here is one Wisconsinite that cast all of my votes for Katherine Jenkins
Donald will make another fortune in TV...
He will also always and forever be a Packer. His name, and the number 80 deserves to go up at Lambeau..!
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