Not many 15-year-olds can celebrate their birthday by becoming a spokesperson for Campbell Soup Company. But Freddy Adu isn't your typical teenager. Campbell announced Friday that it has signed Freddy Adu, a member of D.C. United of Major League Soccer, to become the newest Campbell spokesperson. Adu is the youngest athlete to sign a professional contract in U.S. team sports history in the last century. Campbell also announced that the company has inked a sponsorship deal with D.C. United.
Freddy Adu will be featured in Campbell's advertising campaign set to debut this fall. The company also plans to feature Adu in several other capacities, including on national promotional materials, on in-store point of purchase materials and on the company's website. He will appear on behalf of Campbell's iconic Chicken Noodle Soup, the company's top-selling product for more than 25 years.
"It is an exciting opportunity to work with a teenager who is making history each day he takes the field," said Larry McWilliams, President, U.S. Soup, Sauces and Beverages, Campbell Soup Company. "We are thrilled to have Freddy Adu as a member of our Campbell roster, and we feel that this relationship will help strengthen the strong connection of our brands with kids and teens across America."
Adu, who graduated from high school as part of the U.S. Under-17 National Team Program in May, made his professional debut for D.C. United in a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on April 3. He grew up in Tema, Ghana, came to the United States at age eight with his family after his mother won an immigration lottery and moved to Maryland. Adu's on-field performance and off-the field charisma has landed him on the pages of Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, and he has made appearances on David Letterman, MTV and ESPN2's Cold Pizza.
Freddy Adu joins other famous Campbell teen personalities, including rapper Bow Wow and actress/singer Mandy Moore, who have appeared on behalf of Campbell's products in the past. Campbell has had several recent promotions that have engaged kids, teens and their parents, including the SouperStar Fantasy, where a lucky winner got the chance to attend a Moore movie premiere and another winner went to the Super Bowl. The most recent promotion, SouperStar Mansion, allowed a winner to bring his or her family and friends to a mansion, with all of the thrills for a week.
