• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Trevor Lawrence Scores Gatorade Endorsement Deal

  • Clemson QB is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • Lawrence will pitch flagship Gatorade brand, said Jeff Kearney, global head of sports marketing.
USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Heading into this week’s NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence has landed an endorsement deal with one of the world’s biggest sports brands.

Gatorade has signed the presumptive No. 1 pick out of Clemson University to a multiyear contract, according to Jeff Kearney, Gatorade’s global head of sports marketing.‘’

Lawrence’s deal with Gatorade could be worth up to $2 million a year, said Bob Dorfman, a creative director at Baker Street Advertising who rates endorsement potential.

Since Lawrence is already a household name, he could rake in $5-7 million in endorsement dollars his rookie season, Dorfman said.

Lawrence is the first quarterback signed by Gatorade since Cam Newton in 2012. He joins a list that includes stars from other sports like Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Sydney McLaughlin.

The soon-to-be NFL player will pitch the main Gatorade brand.

“From our point of view, he’s a terrific fit for our core brand … We see him as being a hero for that flagship product,” Kearney said. 

Gatorade won’t be airing any Lawrence spots during this week’s coverage of the NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, according to Kearney.

As Gatorade’s marketing team becomes more familiar with his goals and personality, look for new Lawrence ads to hit the market by football season. He could eventually be the face for a portfolio of Gatorade brands and personalized products. 

“The door’s open to do a lot of different things,” said Kearney.

The 21-year old has already scored a deal with adidas. Lawrence’s flowing hair makes him a natural for the Head & Shoulders shampoo brand, which has cast NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Troy Polamalu in national ad campaigns.

“While no drafted QB is a sure thing in the NFL, Lawrence has a high ceiling,” Dorfman said. “If he brings postseason success to the Jags immediately, those endorsement numbers could quickly double.”

Gatorade dominates the $9.3 billion sports drink market in the U.S. The brand held a 67.7% market share in 2020, according to Euromonitor, compared to 13.7% for Powerade and 9.3% for BodyArmor.

Disney’s NFL Draft Strategy

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit tells what will be different this year about ABC’s…
April 15, 2021

Along with Nike, Gatorade has created some of the most memorable sports campaigns in history. 

Gatorade’s epic 90-second ad celebrating baseball star Derek Jeter’s retirement in 2014 is considered one of the top commercials of the past decade. In 1991, NBA superstar Michael Jordan starred in Gatorade’s iconic “Be Like Mike” commercial.

Lawrence is expected to virtually beam into this week’s NFL Draft from Clemson. Will he have a bottle of Gatorade next to him on camera? 

“I hope so,” said Kearney.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium.

30 of 32 NFL Second-Round Draft Picks Remain Unsigned

Some rookie training camps start in under two weeks.
Joopiter, Michael Jordan card

Michael Jordan Rookie Card Sells for Record $2.5M in Eyebrow-Raising Auction

The auction, which received only one bid, sets a new record.
From vintage to unique collaborations, various Nike and Jordan shoes are displayed on a wall at Saved Soles inside West Ridge Mall.

Nike Stumbles Less Than Expected, Giving Wall Street Hope

The sports apparel and footwear giant beats Wall Street expectations.
Faith Kipyegon

Nike’s Sub-4:00 Stunt Falls Short With Fastest Women’s Mile Ever

Male pacers and cutting-edge tech helped Kipyegon shave off one second.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.
June 30, 2025

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
June 30, 2025

Rape Suit Against QB Retzlaff Dismissed, but He’s Still Leaving BYU

Retzlaff admitted to “consensual” sex, violating BYU’s strict honor code.
June 30, 2025

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.