LT To Endorse Vizio TVs

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 7/10/2007

Irvine, Calif. — Value-focused flat-panel TV maker Vizio said it has reached a personal endorsement deal with the NFL San Diego Chargers’ running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

The multiyear deal gives Vizio the use of Tomlinson's name, likeness, photograph, voice, live or recorded performance and signature for Vizio promotions.

Tomlinson will also make appearances on behalf of Vizio at various events, including ESPN's ESPY pre-party July 10 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, Calif.

“When choosing an appropriate representative for our company we wanted to find somebody that embodied Vizio's core beliefs,” said Jeff Schindler, Vizio marketing VP. “We needed someone that would reflect the company's emphasis on performance as well as its perseverance despite all odds.”

“I appreciate the vision and commitment Vizio has demonstrated in order to achieve their success and am honored to be a part of the Vizio family,” stated Tomlinson.

The first in a series of 30-sccond TV commercials will feature Tomlinson at home watching a TCU football game on his brand new Vizio.

Vizio is also producing a documentary of the running back’s life that will give fans an in-depth look at what makes him who he is today, Vizio said. The documentary will be presented online during the 2007 NFL football season.

Vizio said it continues to build flat-panel market share in North America, where it is ranked No. 3 in unit shipments and No. 4 in shipment revenue by DisplaySearch.

Vizio's 32 inch and 37 inch LCD HDTV's led all models in Quixel Research's “Best Sellers” for Q1 2007, the TV manufacturer said.

Tomlinson is one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs. In 2006, he was selected as the NFL's Most Valuable Player and its Walter Payton Man of the Year.

He also set NFL records with 31 touchdowns, 28 rushing touchdowns and broke the single-season scoring record.

Vizio and Tomlinson will also dedicate “Vizio Educational Centers” to non-profit organizations that will enhance the centers' capabilities of providing HDTV programming that incorporates computers and educational DVDs, Vizio said.