As the NFL’s top teams scout new talent for next season, Zappos already has a recruit of its own.
The shoe and apparel e-retailer has tapped its first athlete ambassador in Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley for an unprecedented partnership.
Stanley, through Zappos, will be allowed to wear the brand of his choice during games as well as off the field.
“Don’t go with the flow. Be the flow,” Stanley tweeted on Wednesday, adding, “Thank you @Zappos!! We’re gonna do great things together.”
Thank you @Zappos!! We’re gonna do great things together https://t.co/SfvAPAhrd8
— Rico Suavee (@ronnie_stanley) April 6, 2016
The sports star will have access to a variety of the e-commerce merchant’s inventory of more than 1,000 footwear, clothing and accessory brands.
“This partnership is really one of a kind, and I’m really looking forward to working with Zappos on stepping up my training game,” Stanley said in a statement. “I’m at the very beginning of my professional career, and having a partner who I can work with on so many levels is going to be a huge opportunity.”
Sports observers predict Stanley will be among the top picks in the forthcoming 2016 NFL Draft (April 28-30), positioning Zappos in a favorable opportunity to secure a potential NFL star.
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Speaking to ESPN, Stanley explained that the e-retailer’s vast inventory allows him to exercise the kind of freedom his fellow athletes do not have. However, Stanley added, on the field he will likely wear Nike, Adidas or Under Armour, which have deals with the league.
“Most guys do a shoe deal and they don’t have any flexibility because they are tied to who paid them,” Stanley said. “I can do whatever I want.”
On the Zappos website, Stanley has already offered a look at his six favorite looks that are available from the e-retailer, including Timberland Classic six-inch Premium boots, Levi’s jeans, a Tommy Bahama shawl and some athleisure selections.
