Deal forbids Brees from motorcycle

ByDarren Rovell ESPN logo
Monday, May 19, 2014

Endorsements often rely on athletes professing their love of a particular product, but New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees admits that he can't even try the latest product he's pitching.

The product is the Can-Am Spyder motorcycle, and Brees' NFL contract forbids him from riding one.

Despite the challenge, the company liked the spokesman in Brees, who was familiar with the brand after a former teammate purchased one.

"We knew the restrictions from the beginning, as did Can-Am," Brees told ESPN.com. "Ultimately because I can't ride it now doesn't mean I won't someday. The first chance I have to ride it on a closed course, you can bet I'll take advantage."

Unlike traditional motorcycles, the Can-Am Spyder has three wheels and a Y-shaped frame to provide extra stability. For this reason, the product appeals to a demographic outside the traditional motorcycle buyer.

"We don't have any problem getting attention in the motorcycle media," said Tom Riley, director of global marketing for the brand. "The challenge is to communicate our proposition to sports fans because those people over-index in our category."

So the company is running a media campaign that will catch the eye of NFL fans.

"My football contract forbids me from riding a motorcycle, which is a problem because I really want to ride a Can-Am Spyder," Brees says in the company's commercial. "Luckily, I found a loophole: I'm going to retire."

Brees then calls his agent to tell him and is then seen dressed in full gear riding the bike.

So that Brees won't get in trouble, company officials stress that the rider in the commercial was a stunt double.

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