Red Bull has a new product endorser.

While New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams was scheduled to arrive at his NBA season kickoff party by helicopter, but inclement weather forced those plans to be canceled. That, of course, did not stop Williams from arriving at the party, or being introduced as Red Bulls’ newest spokesperson.

“Even though the original plan of checking out the skyline from a heli didn’t go as planned, it was an incredible night out,” said Williams. “I had a fun ride into Manhattan, and my friends at Red Bull threw a great party to welcome me to the family.” (via Press Release)

Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Williams’ party, Red Bulls’ first major activation with Williams can be viewed on his page on the Red Bull website.

Williams joins an increasingly large roster of athletes sponsored by Red Bull, including NBA players Blake Griffin and Rajon Rondo, MLB players Tim Lincecum and Jimmy Rollins, NFL players Reggie Bush, and DeMarcus Ware, and a host of others.

Melendez has agreed to an exclusive equipment contract/endorsement deal with fitness apparel company Everlast.

Under the agreement, Melendez will continue to exclusively use Everlast equipment for his training needs, while also playing a role in direct-to-consumer/retail marketing initiatives . The fitness apparel company will also become the official equipment sponsor of Melendez’s gym — El Nino Training Center.

“Gilbert Melendez is the perfect athlete to add to the Everlast stable of fighters,” said Matt Cowan, VP of Marketing and Products for Everlast. “He is focused, driven and at the apex of the sport of mixed martial arts. His dedication and strength make him a natural fit for our brand.”

“Becoming a member of the Everlast team is the next step toward realizing my goals in this sport,” said Melendez. “Having the support of such a great company both personally and at the gym level has relieved some of the stress of training and allowed me to primarily focus on my upcoming title defense. I am excited to be a brand ambassador for the best fight sports brand in the world!” (via Press Release)

Details on Everlast and all of its products can be found on the Everlast website.

Jackson has signed with Rawlings Sporting Goods to endorse Rawlings’ NRG Quantum football helmets. As part of Jackson’s endorsement deal, he will wear the Quantum helmets during this upcoming season, and appear in Rawlings’ print, digital and video marketing materials. Jackson joins two other running backs, Ronnie Brown and Frank Gore, as endorsers, on Rawlings’ “Football Advisory Staff”.

“I really like the fit and feel of the helmet, and I feel protected and secure when I wear it,” Jackson said. “I’m looking forward to being the face of Rawlings and their Quantum football helmet and increasing their presence in the NFL.” (via Rawlings)

Amidst many concerns over head injuries, CTE, concussions and the like, Rawlings is of course touting the new safety features of the NRG helmet. They include,

• Rawlings AIA™ – Active Impact Absorption™ has dual air bags with a scientifically-designed spacer material allowing for instant and long-lasting protection, unlike standard conventional foams.
• Rawlings C3™ – Custom Comfort Cushion™ allows players to customize their helmets’ fit. The proprietary rate-dependent passive impact absorption cushioning provides maximum protection without sacrificing comfort.
• The Rawlings Heat Exchange™ has strategically placed vents and padding systems that create optimized air flow and temperature control.

As for how Jackson was chosen as an endorser for the Rawlings’ brand? Look no further than his hard hitting playing style,

“We’re excited to add Steven to our Football Advisory Staff as we continue our commitment to develop helmets that meet the protective needs of today’s athletes at all levels,” said Mike Thompson, Senior Vice President of Marketing for St. Louis-based Rawlings. “Watching Steven locally, we appreciate his hard-hitting, physical playing style and are excited to see him lead the evolution of the Rawlings Football brand. We recognize the factors of style, comfort and technology that Steven looks for in a helmet and the NRG Quantum meets his high-level demands.”

For more information on the NRG helmet, and to look for Jackson in Rawlings’ campaigns on Rawlings website, and their Facebook page.

If Walker turns out to be the real deal, it might get a little bit awkward. He was selected ninth in the draft last month by the Charlotte Bobcats, which is of course owned by Michael Jordan, the greatest shoe endorser of all time. The Jordan Brand, which is owned by Nike, make up 91.5 percent of all basketball shoes, according to SportsOneSource, a sports market retail tracking firm. At 0.19 percent of the total basketball shoe market share, in dollars, Under Armour has less of a share than Fila (0.34), Converse (0.78), And 1 (0.98), Reebok (2.45) and Adidas (3.47), according to SportsOneSource. (via CNBC)

"We are very encouraged by the initial market response that has been generated by XRP Energy in our test sites, and we can now confirm that the uniqueness of the product, its great taste and proven performance has broad consumer appeal," saidBuddy King, President of Top Five Laboratories. "The key for breaking into this highly contested market niche is having a truly distinctive product that performs. Utilizing pharmaceutical technology used in the prescription drug market gives us the distinction and edge needed to succeed. Based on our five-state market study, we're confident to conclude we have both, coupled with the necessary horsepower and resources required to launch and market this product on a widespread national basis."

"Personally, I love the benefits of XRP Energy and how it truly delivers energy for the day," said former NFL Quarterback and XRP Spokesperson Brett Favre. "I'm not one to easily endorse products, but this one got my attention because of its fabulous taste and outstanding performance. I experience no jitteriness that is often characteristic of other energy products, only a terrific initial boost followed by a continued feeling of focus and alertness. I am proud to be actively engaged with this product and I genuinely recommend it to my own circle of friends, athletes and family, for good reason. It works!"

“We have decided that we needed to just get the word out there that it’s a brand for guys,” CEO Angel Martinez said, “give guys permission to wear UGG. And who better to give guys permission to wear UGG than … Tom Brady.” “He’s the guy every guy I know wants to be,” Martinez said, adding that it is Brady’s “cool under pressure” quality that men want. “Guys like that.” (via CNBC)

"I have worn and loved the UGG brand for a long time," No. 12 said in a statement released this morning. "This collaboration gives me an opportunity to work with a leading global brand with a great history and a true vision for the future of its men’s collection. It’s an exciting time to be part of the UGG Australia team."