Aaron Rodgers, Adidas Agree to Endorsement Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is branching out with his endorsement deals, adding Adidas to the list.   

The sportswear manufacturer tweeted the news Thursday with a brief introduction:

This is a huge coup for Adidas, which not only gets to use one of America's biggest sports stars in its advertising but also takes him away from Nike. 

According to Forbes' recent listing of the 100 highest-paid athletes, Rodgers dropped 40 spots to No. 95 overall with total earnings of $19.1 million, including $7.5 million from endorsement deals. 

One possible reason for Rodgers' drop in status may be his selectivity. His business manager told Rich Kirchen of the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2012 that the Packers superstar turned down deals that didn't meet his criteria. 

Rodgers' best-known national endorsement is the State Farm "Discount Double Check" commercials. 

Rodgers is easily one of the NFL's most identifiable and marketable stars. He plays the most important and prominent position on the field, has won two MVP awards and has one Super Bowl title on his mantle. 

The marriage between Rodgers and Adidas should make him a more prominent presence in advertisements through all media with the company getting a bigger share in the NFL market that's dominated by Nike because it makes all of the league's officially licensed jerseys.