What the heck. I haven't been flamed in a while, so I'll defend TB.
First of all, UGG is primarily identified with women's or unisex apparel, especially in the US, but it has always had a presence in the men's market. I can remember seeing the boots in stores in Cambridge (MA) when I was in school in the early 80's. My kids have had UGG boots since they were small.
If you look at how the UGG brand is positioned (go to their webpage), you can see that Brady is probably the perfect spokesman. The image they are going for among men is "urban rugged," not "****kicker urban" (come on, we all have a pair of old Timberlands or the like...our ****kickers).
UGG is also a global brand and Brady, on his own but also through his relationship with "Gisele," is recognized in Europe and Asia. My guess is that he tests as well among hardcore football fans as he does among those who only have a passing acquaintance with the game. The exposure he has received on his own and with Bundchen is something that money can't buy. As a "brand," Brady will have much more longevity than Peyton, who will probably be doing the usual car and beer commercials a few years after he retires.
Brady's deal is a global deal and was announced on the Deckers web page. He is the image and spokesperson for the Global push into the men's market. He's probably gonna get a boatload of money.
Brady is being very, very smart about how he crafts his brand and how he sells his image. He's bypassing the "usual suspects" and going with smaller, growing brands like Deckers/UGG and Under Armour.
Let the flames commence! :ausflag:
