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By Torrey Hart
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is the latest athlete to get involved with recovery technology.
The four-time Pro Bowler has invested in Therabody, maker of the Theragun, and is now a brand ambassador. Their partnership was announced along with a one-minute spot titled “How Do You See You?” from the brand’s newly launched creative division Therabody Media.
“Since the first time I used a Theragun, it quickly became a staple in my everyday routine and a key asset in how I take care of my body,” Hopkins said in a statement. “Therabody champions whole-body wellness — an industry that I think will only continue to grow as people prioritize their health more than ever. I was impressed with their forward-thinking mission and knew it made sense for me to make a personal commitment and invest in a company that has the ability to revolutionize the health and wellness market.”
Percussive therapy is a myofascial release tool said to help with soreness, recovery and flexibility. It’s been a top fitness trend for a couple of years now.
Theragun was created in 2008 by chiropractor Dr. Jason Wersland after he suffered a life-altering injury in a motorcycle accident. The Theragun G1 first hit the market in 2016 and the company has since become the go-to option for physical therapists.
Main rival Hyperice, which has more of a sports recovery slant in its marketing, recently landed a deal to bring its technology to NBA benches. Under that agreement, no recovery devices other than Hyperice products can be used on the bench during games, although team medical and training staff can use competitor products.
After rebranding as Therabody this year, the company launched a first-of-its-kind “smart percussive therapy” technology that connects to the Therabody app via Bluetooth, as well as its own CBD line, TheraOne.
“Deandre’s everyday use of Theragun to help him perform at an elite level speaks to the quality and efficacy of our products,” Therabody CEO Benjamin Nazarian said in an announcement. “We are proud of the fact that he believes so strongly in our company, mission, and future growth plans that he would want to make the commitment to invest in our company.”
Therabody’s other athlete ambassadors span a range of sports. The company recently announced that retired five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova joined as an investor and strategic advisor, while additional ambassadors include Los Angeles Clippers player Paul George, professional golfer and Major champion Collin Morikawa, tennis phenom Amanda Anisimova, triathlete and IRONMAN champion Lucy Charles-Barclay, and Paralympic swimming champion Jessica Long.
On Sept. 8, Hopkins signed a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The two-year deal is worth $54.5 million in new money, including $42.75 million guaranteed.
Hopkins, 28, cut ties with agency CAA Sports in June and negotiated the new contract himself. He’s also an investor in plant-based meat company Beyond Meat.
