Barring a last minute snag, it looks like the Redskins will select Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. So as the Redskins’ franchise quarterback, what will RG III’s marketing potential be both on a local and national level? There is no better person to ask than Ronn Torossian, the CEO of New York-based 5WPR, one of top public relations firms in the business. Its client list includes Sean “Diddy” Combs, Snoop Dogg, Jalen Rose and Allan Houston to name a few.
How do things play out early for RG III in Washington?
Torossian » “For a franchise with such a large and devoted fan following, times have been rough for the Washington Redskins’ fans and their owner, Daniel Snyder. Robert Griffin III or RG III has been a poster child for college athletes with his stellar academic performance and Heisman Trophy play on the field. If everything is as it appears, Mr. Griffin will be a perfect fixture in Washington to help restore their organization back to their winning ways. From a PR perspective, Griffin can help the Redskins win on and off the field.”
What kind of endorsements can he expect to get?
Torossian » “The endorsements will present themselves across a spectrum of different industries before Mr. Griffin is even able to take the field. Someone as well-spoken and well-rounded as Griffin can expect many opportunities — and is likely to do a great job for any sponsor. If Griffin can win on the field, playing in a great media market like Washington, he can be tremendously successful as an endorsee in a wide variety of categories.”
How would you advise Griffin to proceed?
Torossian » “As anyone who goes from a high school football star to a famous millionaire in the spotlight in a short duration of time, I would advise Mr. Griffin to analyze every decision he makes and keep a solid team around him that is focusing on what is best for him. Griffin has to be able to balance the tremendous amount of pressure on any 21-year-old in the spotlight — money, fame and women. Having worked with professional athletes and high-profile celebrities, the pressure and demands are nonstop. To go from the Baylor Bears to being the face of Adidas — that’s no easy task for anyone, let alone a 21-year-old.”
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!, on washingtonexaminer.com.
