Chapter 749: A New Look for the League
"What do you think? Isn't the scene in front of you especially spectacular? If you're curious, you can go down and stand in the crowd. It's a very special experience."
A burly figure in a silver-gray suit stopped next to Leonardo. He stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the magnificent scene outside Candlestick Park. With a relaxed tone and a smile, he introduced himself and shared his experience. Who else could this be but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell?
Although football is the number one sport in North America, in terms of the number and quality of top superstars watching live games, the NFL is far behind the NBA. More precisely, it's far behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
Based in Los Angeles, this team has undoubtedly become the most followed team by Hollywood stars on the entire North American continent. Even if they are not die-hard fans, many actors and public figures are willing to choose Staples Center as a date spot or a place to be seen. The star-studded lineup that appears on the front page is always jaw-dropping.
In comparison, although the NFL also has a large number of fans who are top superstars, the star power is much dimmer. Of course, for Roger Goodell, he doesn't care about the so-called star effect because the NFL doesn't need any extra help. The spectacular games every week are the best promotional material.
However, if a top superstar comes to a live NFL game, Goodell would naturally welcome them with open arms.
For example, Leonardo DiCaprio.
However, if it were only Leonardo, it would be impossible for Goodell to personally come to Candlestick Park to receive him.
Leonardo was important but not that important. This was just a happy coincidence. Even without Leonardo, Goodell would have been at Candlestick Park today, specifically for Lu Ke.
After the upheaval of the playoffs in January, Lu Ke's tactical significance as a player had become extraordinary.
Whether it was the "San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints" game, which was the best game of the year and whose intense final four minutes were enough to leave a deep mark on the entire season, or the regrettable loss in the conference championship, where the "Hail Mary" attempt had whetted the appetite of all the fans, only to be followed by a sudden death in overtime.
All of this made Lu Ke one of the most watched and anticipated quarterbacks in the league. With his brilliant and tough performance in the playoffs, it seemed perfectly fine to even remove the "one of."
For others, Lu Ke's sophomore performance was undoubtedly the biggest topic of discussion. The direction of the "sophomore slump" was bound to cause countless discussions. But for Goodell, no matter what achievements Lu Ke could make in his sophomore year, it would not shake Lu Ke's important significance in the Asian marketing strategy.
Because the brilliance of one season was enough to prove one thing:
Asian players can also shine on the football field. And now, this Asian quarterback had become one of the best players in the entire league, which was enough to be convincing and infectious. It was like the first fulcrum to pry up the earth, and all the tools were finally in place.
As Leigh Steinberg said, Lu Ke was not the second Yao Ming or the second Jackie Robinson. But Lu Ke had the passion and enthusiasm of a warrior. That spirit, which ran through his entire being, was step by step becoming a leader. This was enough to become the NFL's first breakthrough point and the most important breakthrough point in history, becoming the window to open the door to the Asian market and present the vast continent full of business opportunities.
Therefore, there was no need to wait for his sophomore season's performance. Goodell's plan could already be slowly put into action.
The NFL's league promotion naturally couldn't be simple and crude, nor could it be rushed. They had to proceed step by step:
First, increase exposure. From the Pro Bowl to the offseason and team training camp, the number of reports about Lu Ke had significantly increased, and most of them were positive, with more affirmative adjectives, subtly creating an impact.
Second, shape his public image. They invited Lu Ke to participate in more official league activities, including charity events, promotional events, and other different types of activities, quietly integrating Lu Ke into the league's brand.
In addition, as the league commissioner, Goodell personally came to watch the game, which would inevitably bring about more unnoticed and immeasurable effects.
It couldn't be an away game; it had to be a home game. It couldn't be said explicitly, but it had to convey the hint of giving more attention to Lu Ke. So, Goodell avoided the highly anticipated game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. Instead, he appeared at the San Francisco 49ers' first home game of the season.
After a whole offseason of fermentation, Lu Ke's influence among the Asian community on the North American continent showed a geometric increase. The explosion of jersey sales before the official start of the regular season was a natural result.
Of course, for a professional athlete, performance on the field is always the most important and effective way to promote themselves. In Week 1 of the regular season, Lu Ke once again delivered a brilliant performance and became the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, which made Goodell ecstatic. The promotion of the related plan could get more support.
If Lu Ke could continue his performance from last season throughout this season, even if it dropped slightly, it would be fine. Then...
Just imagining the infinite possibilities that would follow was enough to make him excited.
Before today's game, unexpectedly learning about Leonardo DiCaprio's attendance made him even happier. Not only because Leonardo represented the attention of a top Hollywood superstar, but also because Leonardo was one of the most influential top actors in Asia, which was definitely a huge benefit for the execution of the subsequent plan.
This was not the first time Leonardo had come to Candlestick Park to watch a game, but it was the first time Goodell had seen Leonardo at an NFL game.
So, Goodell personally came to the VIP suite to receive Leonardo with the highest level of treatment.
Facing Goodell's invitation, Leonardo gave a polite smile. "No need. I'm fine here."
At the same time, Leonardo gave a meaningful look, as if he was complaining: I don't want to get all sweaty from squeezing into such a crowded place. I've been through that, and I don't want to do it again.
Combined with Leonardo's real-life experience—his skyrocketing popularity after Titanic had even affected his daily life—the humor of the situation was immediate.
Goodell chuckled happily and then extended another invitation. "You missed the fan frenzy, but you definitely don't want to miss a tour of the locker room."
Leonardo recalled his last experience of going to a locker room and said curiously, "Are you sure? The players are preparing for the game now. It doesn't seem like a wise choice for us to go to the locker room and disturb them." The subtext was that he wanted to go but wasn't sure if his presence would cause any bad consequences.
Goodell folded his hands and said cheerfully, "If we wait 20 more minutes, it won't be a wise choice. The players have to go out and warm up to officially prepare for the game."
Leonardo nodded in understanding. "Then, it would be my honor. As a spectator, I've always been curious about what a professional team is like before a game. If I could, I'd even hide in a locker during halftime to sneak a peek at their every move."
"I'm sorry, I can't help you with that. Although a football locker room isn't as sacred and inviolable as a soccer one, I don't think any team would want to be distracted during a game." Goodell said seriously, but then he changed his tone and spoke in a slightly lower voice. "But, who isn't curious?"
As the most controversial leader in the league, Goodell was obviously not as rigid and serious as his public image suggested.
"Hey, guys, what are you doing here?" Lu Ke looked at the two uninvited guests standing at the locker room entrance with a pleasant surprise.
Marcus was the first to see who it was. He excitedly whistled and shouted back, "Hey, guys, look who's here! Let's give a round of applause for—Candy!"
The San Francisco 49ers' players all turned their heads and saw Candice and Curry. Cheers and roars erupted throughout the room.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Candy! Candy! Candy!"
High-fives, whistles, and playful shouts echoed in unison, like a tribal ritual in Africa. The players stomped their feet to a rhythmic beat, forming a long line, and walked toward the locker room entrance. The rising tide was full of excitement and joy.
Candice had not expected that they would still remember her after not seeing her for more than half a year.
But Candice still responded gracefully, giving a lady's curtsy to show her thanks.
That calm and brilliant smile made the playful shouts in the locker room even more exaggerated. They welcomed her in the most solemn and sensational way.
Curry looked at Lu Ke with disbelief, unable to believe his eyes. Then he saw Lu Ke spread his hands and shrug his shoulders, showing his helplessness.
Seemingly sensing Lu Ke's look and actions, Logan was the first to run behind Lu Ke. He peeked his head out from Lu Ke's shoulder and shouted with his arms raised, "Candy!"
Even though he was standing behind Lu Ke, he was still shouting Candice's name. The intention was too obvious. The other guys immediately understood and all rushed over, gathering behind Lu Ke and shouting in unison, "Candy!" The scene was spectacular.
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