Bruschi Pitching For Papa Gino's

By: Papa Gino's Pizzeria | 2 Shares 109 Reads

September 06, 2006 // Franchising.com // - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is tackling a new job - pitching pizza.

The fan favorite inked a deal with Dedham-based Papa Gino's to act as a spokesman for the restaurant chain in television, print and radio advertisements.

Bruschi fills the hole left by former Pats kicker Adam Vinatieri, who bolted for the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year. Vinatieri served as frontman for Papa Gino's now defunct "Free Kicker"Â campaign.

"We already had the agreement with the Patriots, so it was important that we have somone from the Patriots that could run a promotion,"Â said Michael McManama, senior vice president of brand development for Papa Gino's.

The local company is building a new promotion around Bruschi called the "Crowd Pleaser Campaign,"Â which starts Sept. 25.

Ads were created by Boston-based firm Gearon Hoffman.

Papa Gino's - a subsidiary of Papa Gino's Holdings Corp., which also owns D"™Angelo Grilled Sandwiches - signed Bruschi for a two-year deal with an option for a third year, McManama said. He did not provide financial terms for the deal.

The company will give money and food donations to Bruschi's charity, "Tedy's Team,"Â which raises funds for stroke awareness.

Bruschi's on-field and off-field presence makes him a natural fit for Papa Gino's family-oriented marketing, McManama said. And it's Bruschi's desire to stay in the region that made him a safe bet. The Pats star has turned down offers from other teams in the past.

"He is without question a Patriot forever,"Â McManama said.