Xtech Protective Equipment, the maker of customized football shoulder pads, announced a strategic investment from two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning as it looks to expand in the youth market. As part of the investment, Manning has also agreed to become an Xtech brand spokesperson.

Manning’s investment was not disclosed.

Manning wore Xtech Protective Equipment across the final five years of his NFL career, and his industry expertise and first-hand knowledge of Xtech are expected to offer significant value as the company reaches new markets, particularly the youth football market, where player safety is a major concern.

Xtech holds 11 U.S. patents, supporting protection and performance for athletes.

“Eli Manning investing in Xtech is a pivotal moment in our company’s 14-year history. The fact that Eli has a fundamental on-field understanding of Xtech’s value makes his investment particularly meaningful for our company,” said Bob Broderick, president and co-founder at Xtech. “Eli has a passion for the future of football, in particular the need to match player performance with individual safety. This is where Xtech excels. Moving forward, we’re thrilled to work alongside a player and a person of Eli Manning’s caliber to continue to drive innovation in football equipment.”

“I believe in Xtech as a company and as a product, and that made this a natural partnership,” said Manning. “Since wearing the product on the field, I’ve seen how they’ve become a trusted name for players across the NFL and collegiate spaces. Xtech’s emphasis on safety and protection, coupled with their technological innovations, makes them a perfect fit across all levels of football, and I’m excited to join the team to help that growth.”

XTech was founded in 2012 and is based in East Hanover, NJ. Founder Bob Broderick told CNBC that “nearly 90 percent of NFL players have opted to wear the company’s custom-fitted shoulder pads,” and that the brand has “reached only about 500 high schools out of more than 15,000 high schools that play football.” Broderick also noted that the company “has sold about 100,000 shoulder pad units since its founding.”

XTech products are sold exclusively on the company’s website and on Amazon.

Image courtesy XTech/Eli Manning