Mac’s noBULL endeavor
Pats rookie QB inks endorsement deal with Hub startup
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones has signed an endorsement deal with upand-coming Boston athletic wear startup NOBULL.
“Welcome to the Team, NFL Rookie Quarterback Mac Jones. Team NOBULL is made up of people who work hard and don’t believe in excuses. It’s time to put in the work,” the company announced on its social media platforms Monday.
Details of the multiyear deal have not yet been disclosed, but the young QB’s choice is unusual because the company doesn’t manufacture cleats or other traditional football gear.
Mac Jones’ talent agency Everett Sports Marketing issued a statement from the quarterback about the deal:
“NOBULL is different. What it stands for, stood out to me. I believe in perseverance and work. I want to be a part of something unique. NOBULL is about athletes who work their tails off and don’t give excuses. Their platform embraces anyone who is willing to put in hard work to reach their goals.”
Former Reebok executives Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer founded NOBULL in 2015 and targeted a rapidly-growing sector of athletes: CrossFit athletes. The Boston-based startup recently became the title sponsor of the CrossFit Games and the Official Footwear and Apparel Brand of CrossFit.
Jones is the clear star on a roster of NOBULL athletes that includes CrossFit competition winners, a professional golfer, and Olympic gold medalist swimmer Caeleb Dressel. Two other NFL players have inked endorsement deals with NOBULL: Houston Texans long snapper Jon Weeks and Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier.
“Now presented with the single greatest physical and mental challenge I have yet to encounter via the NFL, Coach Belichick, and the New England Patriots I am reminded — you’re never done — keep evolving, challenging, persevering and winning,” Jones said in another statement on NOBULL’s website.
NOBULL also released a commercial in which the rookie repeats criticism he’s received throughout his career in a tone reminiscent of another quarterback who joined the Patriots roster slightly undersized.
“Pop Warner: You can’t play this position. High school: You’re too small to play this position. College: You’ll just be the backup. Expectations come from other people. I have goals,” Jones says as he tosses the football and runs through footwork drills.
Although no specific shoe has been released with Jones, the company’s website now features a section of sneakers and athletic wear curated by him.
NOBULL partnered with Boston-based private equity firm Exeter Capital in April with a stated goal to “expand beyond footwear and push into additional sports,” according to statement from Exeter.