The NFL Has Lost It

What is up with the NFL's marketing department? Have they gotten hit in the head too many times? Why in the world do they believe it's a good idea to follow in the footsteps of Doritos and GM? Maybe I don't understand marketing.

"THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WILL invite fans to pitch ideas for the league's commercial that will run during Super Bowl XLI in February.

Following the rule of three, the NFL joins game sponsors Doritos and General Motors in welcoming consumers to conceptualize a spot that will then be developed by the client.

Brian McCarthy, a spokesperson for the NFL, confirmed the league is finalizing plans to 'launch a contest in which fans are invited to pitch us on their idea for an NFL-themed spot.' The commercial will air during the Super Bowl as part of the NFL's advertising time in the game."

When is the last time you saw a company take an audiences' idea for a commercial and then use it on television? You haven't, because it would be a PR and marketing nightmare. The viewers don't completely understand all the messaging and marketing issues that must be taken into account.

The viewers "may" be able to develop flashy commercials, but will they really drive additional traffic to the sport?