18 Athletes Who Cashed In on Weird Endorsement Deals
Some athletes score lucrative endorsement deals with top brands, while others take unexpected—and downright bizarre—routes to cash in.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
While most sports stars land sponsorships with apparel, drinks, and car companies, some have promoted shockingly odd products. From deodorant for your feet to zombie survival kits, these deals prove that money talks, no matter how strange the endorsement. Here are 18 athletes who made serious cash promoting the weirdest products imaginable.
1. Shaquille O’Neal – The Face of Icy Hot Patches
Airman 1st Class Justin Armstrong on Wikimedia Commons
Shaq’s massive frame has endured years of punishment, making him the perfect spokesperson for pain relief patches. His Icy Hot ads became legendary, showing him applying patches in the most exaggerated way possible.
2. Troy Polamalu – Head & Shoulders Spokesman
Andy on Wikimedia Commons
The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety’s luscious, flowing hair earned him an endorsement with Head & Shoulders. As part of the campaign, his mane was even insured for $1 million.
3. David Beckham – Burger King’s Smoothie Promoter
ger1axg on Wikimedia Commons
Despite being a global soccer icon, Beckham once endorsed Burger King’s fruit smoothies. Seeing the stylish, high-end athlete in a fast-food ad felt oddly out of place.
4. Usain Bolt – Virgin Media’s Lightning Speed Internet
Samuel Blanck on Wikimedia Commons
The fastest man on Earth was the perfect choice to advertise high-speed internet. Bolt starred in several quirky commercials comparing his speed to Virgin Media’s broadband.
5. Dennis Rodman – North Korean Lottery Ad
GabboT on Wikimedia Commons
Rodman’s bizarre friendship with Kim Jong-un led to a sponsorship deal promoting a North Korean lottery. The campaign was as strange as it sounds, with Rodman endorsing a sweepstakes that most Americans couldn’t even enter.
6. Serena Williams – Sleep Number Beds
Clavecin on Wikimedia Commons
A tennis legend needs solid rest, so Williams partnered with Sleep Number to promote their adjustable mattresses. She starred in commercials emphasizing the importance of recovery and deep sleep.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo – Japanese Face-Slimming Device
Addesolen on Wikimedia Commons
Ronaldo, one of soccer’s biggest stars, confused fans when he appeared in an ad for a bizarre Japanese facial exerciser. The device, which looks like a mini airplane propeller, supposedly strengthens facial muscles.
8. Peyton Manning – Singing for Nationwide Insurance
Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson on Wikimedia Commons
Manning’s “Nationwide is on your side” jingle became an instant meme. His deadpan delivery and awkward charm turned the insurance ad into a cultural phenomenon.
9. John Cena – Crocs Ambassador
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Molly Treece on Wikimedia Commons
The WWE superstar and actor once partnered with Crocs, the controversial rubber footwear brand. Cena’s larger-than-life personality clashed hilariously with the brand’s quirky reputation.
10. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – ZOA Energy Drink
Henry Villarama on Wikimedia Commons
The Rock is all about fitness and motivation, so launching his own energy drink seemed natural. ZOA promised to fuel workouts with clean ingredients backed by Johnson’s relentless energy.
11. Michael Jordan – Hanes Underwear
D. Myles Cullen on Wikimedia Commons
MJ went from selling sneakers to promoting underwear, starring in Hanes commercials for over a decade. His ads often featured awkward interactions with everyday people, making them oddly entertaining.
12. Conor McGregor – Proper No. Twelve Whiskey
U.S. Secretary of Defense on Wikimedia Commons
The UFC fighter turned his brash personality into a whiskey empire with Proper No. Twelve. His commercials, featuring his signature swagger, helped drive massive sales.
13. Charles Barkley – Weight Watchers “Man Plan”
Steve Lipofsky on Wikimedia Commons
Barkley’s endorsement of Weight Watchers was both surprising and hilarious. He openly admitted he joined for the money but also embraced the brand’s message.
14. Andy Roddick – Lacoste Cologne
Boss Tweed on Wikimedia Commons
The former tennis star became the face of Lacoste’s cologne line despite not exactly being known for fashion. His rugged yet preppy image fit the brand’s aesthetic, making the partnership a hit.
15. Tim Tebow – Jockey’s Modest Underwear Ads
Executive Office of the President on Wikimedia Commons
Known for his clean-cut image, Tebow was an unexpected choice to promote Jockey underwear. His ads avoided the typical shirtless model approach, instead focusing on “comfort” and “faith.”
16. Marshawn Lynch – Skittles Obsession Pays Off
Stephanie Rush on Wikimedia Commons
Lynch’s love for Skittles became a full-blown endorsement deal after cameras caught him eating them on the sidelines. The candy brand capitalized on his superstardom, even launching a special edition “Beast Mode” flavor.
17. Tony Hawk – Bagel Bites Commercials
Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine on Wikimedia Commons
The skateboarding legend took an unexpected turn promoting Bagel Bites in the early 2000s. Seeing a rebellious skater endorse mini pizza bagels felt oddly mismatched.
18. Rob Gronkowski – CBD Pain Relief Cream
Pfc. Julian Winston on Wikimedia Commons
Gronk’s high-energy personality made him a surprising yet effective advocate for CBD pain relief products. The former tight end claimed the cream helped with football injuries, bringing attention to alternative recovery methods.