The NFL has announced that they have partnered with McDonald’s in order to promote themselves in Happy Meals. Toys that are from the NFL’s Nickelodeon TV show will be handed out with every happy meal. To the vice president of the NFL’s marketing strategy it was a “natural fit”. I feel that this is as natural as what’s in McDonald’s food. However, the NFL is being honest with their intentions with the partnership: to get the 6-13 year-old range hooked on football. McDonald’s is known for their successful marketing of Hot Wheels and Hello Kitty in the past. As Mcdonald’s is a constant image in children’s lives, the NFL is likely to become a trend.

What is slightly concerning is that the NFL does have a slight negative connotation that would be worrisome for parents. Concussions and bullying are common topics that go hand in hand with the sport. In particular the Miami Dolphins have been under scrutiny for workplace bullying. Any negative publicity could potentially hurt McDonald’s as well as the NFL’s reputation. At this point I don’t think it was optimal timing for McDonald’s to venture into making the McFootball.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-15/as-concussions-worry-parents-nfl-blitzes-into-happy-meals