McDonald’s® Announces Contract Renewal with NBA All-star Dwight Howard
Howard to Star in Remake of Classic Super Bowl Commercial with LeBron James and NBA Legend Larry Bird
OAK BROOK, Ill. (Feb. 2, 2010) – McDonald’s confirmed today NBA All-Star Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic has renewed a multi-year agreement with the company, extending a relationship that dates back to 2008. Although financial details of the contract will not be disclosed publicly, Howard’s agreement includes support of several McDonald’s programs, promotions and other initiatives in coming months. This month, Howard will back McDonald’s sponsorship of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Howard was a member of the 2008 gold-medal U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.
Howard and LeBron James, both McDonald’s All Americans, will star in a remake of the iconic 1993 Super Bowl commercial “The Showdown,” which is set to air just before Super Bowl® XLIV kicks off on Feb. 7. An excerpt from the commercial can be seen on YouTube: www.youtube.com/McdonaldsAllAmerican.
The new commercial titled “Check This” will pit the NBA Eastern Conference rivals against each other in their own unique take on the battle for a Big Mac® sandwich. The TV ad will also feature the reappearance of NBA legend, Larry Bird. Joe Pytka, commercial director for McDonald’s original 1993 Super Bowl spot, also filmed the latest remake.
“Dwight has been a champion for his team, his community and McDonald’s since we entered into a relationship with him in 2008,” said Neil Golden, McDonald’s USA chief marketing officer. “We are excited to bring Dwight and LeBron – two of the biggest names in basketball today – together for the remake of this iconic commercial, the first of many opportunities to come.”
“I have tremendous respect for the McDonald’s brand and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the company and expanding my involvement in their programs,” said Howard. “I can’t wait for the new commercial to debut on Super Bowl Sunday. The fans are going to love it.”
“Although McDonald’s officially brought Dwight on board as a spokesman three years ago, the loyalty of this relationship unofficially dates back 21 years,” said Eric Goodwin, President, GSM. “Dwight’s fondest memories are his first ‘Happy Meal’ and playing in the McDonald’s All American Game. There isn’t a more authentic partnership than this.”
In addition to marketing promotions, Howard will support the 2010 McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Games in Columbus, Ohio, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. In 2004, Howard earned McDonald’s All American Game co-MVP and Player-of-the-Year honors in Oklahoma City. He has served on the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council since 2008.
Tags: 2010 NBA Season, Larry Bird, LeBron James, McDonalds, News, Press Release
This is a good look D. Ur #1 is sooooo proud of you ..MUAH!
Good job I like da work u do dwight howard
“I have tremendous respect for the McDonald’s brand.”
That’s what I’m talking about.It didn’t matter how hard they tried the haters couldn’t stop you from receiving your blessings.When people know you got it going on they try to make you look bad because they know they lost a good thing.They know god will send someone along that will appreciate you and cherish you.You just have to be strong enough to manuever around all of the obstacles,temptations and traps that they set.You are such a humble yet strong man that you keep doing just that.Congragulations!!
You can definitely identify the best, but you can not drive a wedge between them because that’s like separating those slices of bread on a Big Mac, you need the meat in order to know you’re biting down into something great. McDonalds know how to choose the right people to respresent their brand, so all thier doing is building love instead of puffing it up. Now as for as that Super Bowl Commercial, Dwight and LeBron are superstars and I know that anything Dwight tooks will turn to gold, and you know LeBron has to trademark the spot by releasing that powder all over everywhere, and the competition will surely get it all over their faces. It can’t be anything but spectacular, so bend over because the Show Down is on, but hopefully they will just cut that sandwich in half and share, and the winter as cold as it is will heat up with support from the man with the s on his chest. Two pounds for that.
I’m lovin it!
Dwight, thank u so much for sharing with your fans.
Congrats love… Can’t wait to see you in Dallas…
Mecca
- Dallas
Heyyy D12 that’s a great opportunity you’ve been blessed with not only do you loveeee eating their food you got them paying you too, now that’s bossy lol
CONGRATS and good luck on all that you do see ya tonight I love you and God bless you peace—- Let’s Go Magics!!!!!
Why is their a need to disclose the details of the contract ??? They have choosen someone who represents a positive image with marketing their product……done deal. That’s why I could never be in the public eye whole lotta hurt feelings. I ‘ve never had a problem with sayin nunna ya Dang business ( u feel me)
R-E-S-P-E-C-T to you for givin back to the community, I remember reading before u turned pro, u played in the Mc Donald’s
summer leagues, now you can support others. PEACE
I was wondering when they would remake that commercial. Luv the fact that u r in this one.
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