One of the top online sports betting brands, BetMGM has signed a partnership with former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch to expand its brand reach among football fans.
Lynch, aka “Beast Mode” for his powerful running style, played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. He had four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, was selected to the All-Pro team once and on two occasions led the league in rushing touchdowns. He helped the Seahawks win their first championship, Super Bowl XLVIII, following the 2013 season.
The agreement calls for Lynch to serve as brand ambassador, which means BetMGM will use his likeness to promote its activities in the coming months. The former running back will appear in a series of promotional materials, publications, social media posts and public appearances for the operator’s betting app.
“Being part of the BetMGM family is dope and an honor,” Lynch said. “They’re the leaders in online gaming so I’m excited to learn about the industry from the best and find ways where I can have an impact.” He added that he considered himself to be “in good company” since BetMGM has also extended ambassadorships to the NFL’s Barry Sanders, the NHL’s Wayne Gretzky and the NBA’s Jalen Rose.
BetMGM’s Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost expressed his excitement to be signing a deal with Lynch who he dubbed as both an incredible athlete and larger-than-life character. Lynch’s popularity among the football fans is guaranteed to help the sports betting brand grow even further.
A new BetMGM app has been making serious strides in recent months, growing into one of the leaders in the online sports betting in the US. BetMGM is a partnership between Entain and MGM Resorts International.
Lynch, one of the biggest names in the game and one of the most popular NFL players who have ever played, initially retired from in early 2016, following the 2015 season. But he returned to play two additional seasons with the Raiders and ended his career with the Seahawks for the last week of the 2019 regular season and the playoffs. He essentially retired a second time, although there are rumors he could play again.
Since his retirement, Lynch has focused on his BeastMode business, which includes live events, a marketing agency and an apparel business with a Las Vegas-based retail store and an online apparel offering. Lynch also recently announced he was entering the legalized cannabis business under the Dodi brand. Lynch also founded the Fam 1st Family Foundation, an Oakland-based philanthropic organization whose focus is the betterment of young Black lives within the community.
Joins Barry Sanders, Chris Chelios
BetMGM signed a similar agreement with Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, last February. The former Detroit Lions superstar has been supporting BetMGM’s expansion in the state of Michigan through a similar marketing partnership.
Shortly before signing Sanders, BetMGM announced that it had also come to an agreement with NHL star Chris Chelios, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, to also serve as a brand ambassador. Chelios won the Cup twice with the Detroit Red Wings, in 2002 and 2008, and once with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.
