Proposing the newest set of NFL Draft nicknames

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love the play here by Heinz and the NFL. Even without making a huge advertising deal out of it or making obnoxious allusions to the nickname, they managed a uniquely fun perk for a talented player. In the new college sports world of NIL, this had me thinking about what future brand deals or opportunities could look like if other brands were to follow suit. Here are just a few:

Mr. 31– Baskin-Robbins

Who doesn’t love ice cream, folks? Well, I suppose maybe those who are lactose intolerant, but I digress. The sweet treat company has brick-and-mortar locations in nearly every U.S. state and would have ample opportunity to hook up the 31st overall selection in the draft. The Baskin-Robbins logo, which features a hidden “31” within it, was designed with its original 31 flavors in mind. The idea was to give customers a different flavor option for every day of the month. Although the number of flavors has since ballooned to over 1,400, the logo remains as a small piece of the brand’s history and identity.

“I’m going to…”– Six Flags

After Phil Simms first declared, “I’m going to Disney World!” following his Super Bowl XXI victory with the New York Giants in 1987, it has become tradition for Super Bowl winners to visit the world-renowned theme parks and state their intended destination postgame. How cool would it be for another famous recreational outlet to give the sixth overall pick in the draft a similar opportunity? Picture it… You just heard your name called, received your commemorative jersey, and shook hands with the commissioner, wrapping up your draft interview on the side stage, when you’re asked, “You were just drafted sixth overall to the *insert team here*! Where are you going now?” The response? “I’m going to Six Flags!” A family vacation for the draftee and his loved ones would be the perfect way to celebrate the ceremonial occasion.

7-11 Man– 7-Eleven

Need I say more? Now, I know what you’re thinking. No, there are not 711 players drafted each year. That would really do the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant” justice, though. However, this deal could just as easily go to the 11th player taken in the seventh round of the NFL draft. Why? It matches the name and would be a cool, random opportunity for a player who gets chosen in the final round. In addition to getting drafted and earning the right to play professional football, here is a gas card, free slurpees for a year, and a custom wrapped helmet with vibrant green and orange tints. How awesome would that be?

What do you think about Heinz’s move to start a new draft tradition? Should this be something other brands jump on the wagon for? What other deals do you think could be beneficial to the players in the draft classes? Let us know in the comments below!