In case you haven't heard enough about Brett Favre of the JETS, here's some more food for thought. Everyone's been asking the typical questions: Will Favre have another incredible season like he did last year? Will his presence help the Jets get over the hump and into the playoffs? Will this soon-to-be 39 year-old be able to endure hits and tackles all season? etc., etc. All very interesting stuff.
Another thing I'm interested in is how his comeback will affect his off-field earnings and money for marketing and endorsement agreements. Last year, Favre earned about $7 million from endorsements, and Sports Business Daily ranked him the 10th most marketable athlete in the United States last year (2nd in the NFL behind Peyton Manning). According to TSE Athletes and Celebrity Marketing, Favre commands upwards of $50,000 for appearances, endorsements and speaking engagements.
Favre has endorsed products for Wrangler Jeans, Prilosec and Sensodyne toothpaste. When he first retired (after setting the NFL record for passing touchdowns last season), I expected that he would continue to be as, if not more, successful with his off-field earnings. Coming back for another year raises a few questions about how this will affect his marketability.
What if Favre comes in and stinks it up for the Jets? Will marketers want him endorsing their products? Also there's the question of how long Favre will play. If a marketer signs him to speak/endorse as an active player, how long will that last? Will he make the transition from player spokesman to retired spokesman, and how will this transition work?
Of course, Favre could play awesome this season, lead the Jets to the playoffs and add to his marketability.
What do you think will happen? If he does have a down year, how do you think this will affect his off-field earning power?