BOWLING TO STARDOM — How Vince Young's dramatic Rose Bowl performance impacts his marketability

DALLAS — Is Vince Young to football what LeBron James is to basketball? Young, the 22-year-old University of Texas quarterback who led the Longhorns to a dramatic victory over top-ranked USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl, dazzled not only fans and reporters, but marketers, eager to find the next superstar athlete endorser.

"The Rose Bowl was the right place and right time for Vince Young," said Ray Clark, founder and CEO of The Marketing Arm, a network of marketing services agencies. "It was an ideal stage. He was able to showcase his talents, personality and leadership ability."

Prior to the Rose Bowl game, most of the national media buzz focused on USC running back and Heisman Trophy-winner Reggie Bush. But, after Young's record-breaking performance against USC, Young has stepped into the spotlight.

"Public opinion swings based on major events, and the Rose Bowl was a major event in terms of how people view Vince Young," said Clark. "After that game, a lot of people are having second thoughts about who the most exciting player in the country is."

According to Clark, Young is considered to be a strong endorsement candidate for several reasons. First, quarterbacks typically garner more endorsement prospects than non-skill position players.

"Fans tend to recognize and appreciate quarterbacks more than other positions like offensive lineman," said Clark. "They're the focal point of the offense - the field general."

Young also possesses intangibles - good looks, a dazzling smile, a magnetic personality - that marketers look for.

"People like him," said Clark. "He comes across as a guy you'd like to hang out with, much like Brett Favre. Plus, he's on the front page of every major newspaper in the country. That's an attractive combination."

For more information on Young's endorsement power, contact Chris Anderson at 214.259-3290 or visit www.TheMarketingArm.com.