Star Quarterback Russell Wilson Engages French/West/Vaughan
One of PR’s fastest growing agencies, French/West/Vaughan, announced yet another sports and entertainment client addition, just before the NFL Draft. Record-setting college quarterback Russell Wilson has selected the agency for marketing, PR, and endorsement expertise, according to news from the Raleigh based firm. Wilson drafting the NC agency, so far, looks like a good pick.
Experts feel Wilson will live out expectations and fill the shoes he is most compared into, those of NFL legend Fran Tarkenton. Wilson has already exceeded expecation where the draft is concerned, coming in with th Seattle Seahawks, who took him with the 12th pick of the third round, No. 75 overall. Wilson, who stands only 5’11” (a bit like Tarkenton), is a skill player of extraordinary skill. His selection of French/West/Vaughan, having seemingly already paid off draft wise. The highly mobile, intelligent, and rocket armed Wilson is a safe bet for Seattle. Rick French, CEO of French/West/Vaughan, offered this before the draft:
“Russell has impressed us from the moment we first saw him play as a freshman at NC State and we have been fans ever since. We are convinced Russell is going to be an outstanding player in the NFL and, more importantly, we know he is a man of great character and a great role model. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help him achieve his on-field and off-field goals throughout his NFL career.” French sees Wilson as the perfect athlete/corporate spokesman. “Nike signed Russell two days before the NFL draft. We think that speaks volumes about Russell’s huge appeal. This is the tip of the iceberg – anyone who knows Russell wants to work with him.”
Wilson led the NC Wolfpack and Wisconsin Badgers to consecutive bowl appearances. The Bleacher Report tagged Seattle’s third round pick as a perfect safety net for QB Matt Flynn, whom they say is overrated. Where Wilson’s new agency is concerned, FWV is something of a pocket operator too. The company who’s CEO we interviewed some time back, is listed as the 21st most profitable PR firm in the US by O’Dwyer’s. Other’s of the agencies sport and celeb clients include; All-Pro running back Arian Foster and starting strong safety, Glover Quin of the Houston Texans; world record-setting swimmer and Olympic hopeful Jessica Hardy; NFL legend-turned-filmmaker Simeon Rice and Disney Channel’s Brandon Mychal Smith.
As for Wilson’s thought on choosing FWV;
“I’m really looking forward to working with the team at French/West/Vaughan. Throughout this search, I have been looking for an agency that truly understands my interests and aspirations and has the capability to help me manage my off-field endeavors so I can concentrate on being the best football player I can be.”
Wilson, who was the biggest story of the second day of the NFL Draft, spoke with reporters shortly after being picked. His comments reflect what most experts tend to agree with, that Wilson stature height wise, offer no clue as to his skill set and value as a player. Wilson threw for 3,175 yards and 33 TDs, with only 4 Ints, in leading the country in passing efficiency. If we were 3 feet tall, it seems clear, all things being equal, he truly seems like a Tarkenton clone. If that case is true, then Seattle just made the best 3rd round selection in history.
