Who says cross-over athletes are a thing of the past? Well, not exactly crossing over, but it was a start, when one of tennis’ biggest names was found at one of the year’s biggest sporting events, Super Bowl XLII.
Perhaps a bigger surprise than the New York Giants’ win over the heavily-favored and undefeated New England Patriots, was Roger Federer’s appearance at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where the World No. 1 took in the action no doubt from prime real estate on the sidelines. No word on whether Federer had any other engagements in the state or if he was just a closet football fan until now. Most Europeans like their own brand of “futbol,” you know, the one David Beckham plays, but the tennis legend was on hand to witness the Giants’ triumph.
Wearing his trademark all black and charcoal, as well as his famous RF hat, Federer was escorted to his seat—not a traditional Super Bowl experience, but one fitting a celebrity-- after he walked the event’s red carpet.
Federer was already in the United States on business, visiting Nike’s headquarters in Oregon earlier this week, where rumors of a new 10-year extension of his already lucrative sponsorship agreement with Nike is said to be looming, potentially worth in excess of $100 million dollars. The $13 million a year mark is the number circulating in various news outlets but no official word from Nike or the Federer camp has been heard, although the Swiss media is reporting the deal, in which Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Adidas were also potential signers.
If true, the deal would make Federer the highest paid tennis player, surpassing Andre Agassi, who previously held the title. Maria Sharapova holds that honor on the women’s side.
Although an e-mail to Federer’s agent at IMG, Tony Godsick, was not returned, a message was posted on the Swiss’ website.
“Roger recently visited the Nike World Headquarters in the Portland metropolitan area of Oregon (USA). It was a great day of interacting with the Nike employees and a perfect opportunity to celebrate Roger's accomplishments and the long-lasting cooperation.”
Following his semifinal loss at the Australian Open last month, Roger has nearly a month to recuperate and train before taking the court again in Dubai in early March, where he is defending champion. Federer is not expected again stateside until his long-anticipated exhibition match with Pete Sampras at Madison Square Garden followed by back-to-back Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami.