Athletic Nation signs NFL All-Pro Neal to endorsement deal
Monday, August 18, 2008
San Jose Business Journal
Athletic Nation Franchise Corp., a men's personal-training gym franchisor, has signed National Football League All-Pro Lorenzo Neal to a three-year endorsement deal.
San Jose-based Athletic Nation said Neal's endorsement of the company includes appearances in television and print advertisements.
A 15-year NFL veteran and four-time Pro Bowl selection, Neal is one of he league's top all-time blocking backs. He has cleared the paths for 1,000-yard rushers such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Corey Dillon, Eddie George and Curtis Martin. During the offseason, Neal signed with the Baltimore Ravens, his seventh NFL club. He is a native of Hanford and a graduate of Fresno State University.
Athletic Nation describes itself as a no-frills, personal-training gym for men who want to get their bodies back in the game. For many of its members, it is a life-changing experience: A transformation from an overweight, out-of-shape, zero-energy hermit to a slim, ripped, high-energy man who is fully re-engaged in life, the company said.
"I find that most gyms lack the serious attitude and personal attention needed to attain and maintain an optimal level of fitness," Neal said in a statement. "Athletic Nation's philosophy of a back-to-basics workout is exactly what the men's fitness industry needs and is what attracted me to them in the first place."
Athletic Nation said it has exceeded sales expectations in its first year of operation and has opened 12 locations. The franchisor seeks business-minded professionals to help grow the concept nationwide through regional development and multi-unit agreements.
Athletic Nation founder Dennis Mulgannon said Neal's endorsement gives the company's concept a huge boost in the validation department.
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