BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To celebrate the 2012-2013 NFL season, Gillette® [NYSE: PG], the world’s leading male grooming brand, today announced a new partnership with Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl linebacker, Clay Matthews to support a campaign for the Gillette Fusion® ProGlide® razor, which provides incredible comfort even against the grain.
Matthews has succeeded by going against the grain of conventional wisdom throughout his football career. He did not receive a scholarship coming out of high school in southern California and walked on to his college team where he only started for one season on defense. During the 2009 draft, the Green Bay Packers surprised fans by trading up to select him in the first round. Since the draft, Matthews’ combination of speed and strength has helped define today’s linebacker position and earned him a spot on three consecutive Pro Bowl rosters. Matthews will serve as the official Gillette brand ambassador during the NFL season.
Beginning today through September 27, to kick off the partnership and celebrate the passion of NFL fans everywhere, Matthews and Gillette are challenging NFL fans to post pictures of their best imitation of Matthews’ famous “Predator pose” on the brand’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/gillette). By submitting a photo, NFL fans will join Gillette in supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Gillette has a goal to make a $100,000 donation, and every photo submitted by a fan gets us one step closer.
Gillette is the”Official Shave of the NFL” and beginning in early October, NFL fans should be on the lookout for Matthews in a new 30-second commercial for the Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor that captures Matthews challenging the status quo both on and off the field. In addition to appearing in the new TV commercial, Matthews will appear in digital advertising, as well as in-store merchandise displays.
“I’m pumped to be partnering with Gillette” said Matthews. “I know the NFL has the best fans in sports and I can’t wait to see if any of their ‘Predator poses’ can rival mine.”
“Through his dedication and persistence both on and off the field, Clay embodies what it means to go against the grain and create your own path,” said Elliott Wilke, Brand Manager Gillette. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the Gillette family, and are excited to work with him to celebrate the passion of NFL fans this season.”
“Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the U.S. empower millions of young people to discover and follow their passions on their own journey to success,” said Christina Alford, Vice President of National Corporate Partnerships, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “So, we are thrilled to partner with Gillette and Clay Matthews in an effort that will help us put even more young people on the path to great futures.”
About Gillette’s Sports Heritage
In the early 1900s, Gillette had the vision to see the value in connecting the brand with top-tier sports and athletes. This was a key strategy that helped the company grow into the world leader in the male shaving category. Gillette was welcomed into many U.S. homes through the historic televised broadcasts of the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports. Throughout the years, Gillette added signature events in the U.S. including championship boxing matches, college football Bowl games, Major League Baseball, PGA Tour® and the Kentucky Derby. Gillette sponsored international events including FIFA World Cup, Rugby, the Gillette Cup in Cricket and Formula One. In 2002, Gillette announced an agreement for the exclusive naming rights to the home stadium of the three-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots of the National Football League. Throughout the mid 2000s, the brand continued innovative marketing programs with international sports stars throughout the world. Today, Gillette continues its sports heritage tradition with sports marketing programs implemented in many regions throughout the world.
About Procter & Gamble
P&G touches and improves the lives of about 4.4 billion people around the world with its portfolio of trusted, quality brands. The Company's leadership brands include Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, and Ambi Pur®. With operations in about 80 countries, P&G brands are available in more than 180 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, nearly 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at bgca.org/facebook and bgca.org/twitter.
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