Gatorade and NFL Quarterback Cam Newton Announce Multi-year Partnership

CHICAGO, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Gatorade announced a multi-year partnership with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Newton, a Heisman trophy recipient, first overall 2011 draft pick and 2012 Pro Bowler, joins Gatorade's roster of the world's most elite athletes who work with Gatorade to educate athletes on the importance of sports nutrition.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/CG46356-a)

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/CG46356-b)

"Working with Gatorade fulfills a childhood dream of mine," said Newton. "I have used Gatorade since I started playing football and Gatorade products have been an important part of my training and competition regimen for as long as I can remember. As I look to improve my game, what I put in my body is extremely important. Gatorade provides me the opportunity to work with the world's leading scientists who can help me gain a competitive edge and play at my best."

"Gatorade is focused on elevating the importance of proper athletic fueling, so it's important for us to partner with athletes who believe sports nutrition improves performance. Gatorade has been an essential piece of Cam's football equipment since an early age which makes this partnership a natural fit," said Sarah Robb O'Hagan, president of North America and global CMO, Gatorade. "Cam has proven himself as a naturally gifted athlete with a promising NFL career. We look forward to helping him achieve his football goals by providing him with customized testing and research and a fueling plan to help him elevate his game."

Newton's Gatorade partnership kicks off by testing with scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) who will work one-on-one with him to identify ways in which he can improve his on-field performance through proper sports fueling and training. Newton will also be featured in upcoming Gatorade brand campaigns including television, print and digital advertising.

Gatorade has worked with NFL teams since 1969 and has been an official partner of the NFL since 1983. It recently entered a new multi-year partnership securing Gatorade on the sidelines of every NFL game through 2022. While fueling thousands of NFL athletes throughout the years, Gatorade currently works individually with Peyton Manning (1999) and Eli Manning (2005).

About Gatorade

The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), provides sports performance innovations designed to meet the needs of athletes at all competitive levels and across a broad range of sports. Gatorade Thirst Quencher® is backed by more than 40 years of research and is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes, and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. The company's product portfolio is built around the G Series™, a 1-2-3 approach to athlete nutrition and hydration before (Gatorade Prime 01™), during (Gatorade® Perform 02 and G2® Perform 02), and after (Gatorade Recover 03™) training or competition. For more information, please visit www.gatorade.com.

SOURCE Gatorade