With NFL training camps just around the corner, the.NFL fantasy drafts can also not be that far away. Although not as statistically steeped as the MLB Fantasy leagues, the NFL drafts are still highly competitive, very lucrative, and because of the gambling aspect that is so heavily tied to NFL games, can be even more high stakes. It is a tough space for brands to activate wit.because of the volatility with injuries in pro football. However it is a great way to market athletes directly, especiall.to find ways to grow brand outside of the home market. One athlete who has seized upon that opportunity this year is Chargers star back LaDanian Tomlinson, who is actively running a campaign geared towards those who play the fantasy leagues to make himself the number one pick in the top fantasy drafts. The move is especially smart for LT, one of the most versatile and durable stars in the NFL but who suffers a bit from playing in a small markiet (San Diego).which will open himself up to more water cooler talk by the casual fan, garner ancillary national and out of market publicity (clip here is from Fox in New York) and will expose him as a personality for brands to partner with. Like Chris Bosh's YouTube campaign, this plan sets LT apart out front of training camp, and gets the casual and ardent fans thinking about him in a time of year where there thoughts were elsewhere. Great execution and strategy by a growing star.AVP Crocs Tour making its New York stop this weekend, the New York Times has a good piece on Olympian Misty May-Treanor…with the NBA Summer Leagues in full force, SI.com's Ian Thomson explains the value for seemingly meaningless summer hoop activity…with the Red Bulls drawing 40,000 plus for Saturday night's game against the LA Galaxy, the Bergen Record has a good piece on what MLS needs to do locally to drive interest…and the LA Times has a good piece on the Red Sox JD Drew and his “business decisions” that positively impacted his career…
