Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation, announced the signing of professional football linebacker and All-Pro Patrick Willis to Rawlings Football's advisory staff roster.  Willis, an existing user of the Rawlings NRG Quantum football helmet, will appear in the company's broadcast, print and digital marketing campaigns and promotions beginning this football season.

“I chose to wear the Rawlings NRG Quantum last season because it felt unlike any other helmet in the market,” said Willis.  “I am always looking for the highest-performing equipment, and Rawlings' football helmet definitely works the best for me.  I am excited to join the Rawlings team and offer my insights as Rawlings continues to develop cutting-edge football helmets for players of all skill levels and positions.”

Willis immediately becomes the public face of Rawlings Football, and represents hundreds of professional players and thousands of collegiate and high school players who have chosen to wear Rawlings' football helmets since its re-launch in 2011.

“Patrick Willis was one of the original adopters of Rawlings' innovative new football helmets,” said Mike Thompson, senior vice president of marketing for St. Louis-based Rawlings.  “He personifies the Rawlings Football brand in every way: through his dedication, his leadership and his domination on the field.  We are proud to partner with Patrick as we continue to develop high-performing football helmets that meet the protective needs of today's football athletes of all ages and skill levels.”

Rawlings long-lasting heritage of innovation in athlete protection began with the first football shoulder pad built in 1902.  Rawlings won the 2013 Edison Award in material science-composites for its Rawlings S100® Pro Comp™ batting helmet.  This season marks the first year Major League Baseball implemented the technologically-enhanced batting helmet, designed to withstand impact speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, for all of its players.  Rawlings is the Official Batting Helmet and Ball Supplier of Major League Baseball.