Whether you are a current or former member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, November is our country's time to thank you for your service. The NFL also salutes our nation's military members during November as well with on-field displays and sideline gear specially made for the coaching staff of all teams.
Mayfield Sports Marketing’s owner and president Mark Mayfield takes his commitment to veterans seriously in part to his family’s strong military background, his grandfather, Clyde Mayfield, serving in the Army during WWII, his Uncle Mark completing two tours in Vietnam with the Marine Corps, his father-in-law Bill serving in the Army, his Uncle Dick serving in the Air Force, Uncle Terry serving in the Navy, and Uncle Dick serving in the Marine Corps.
He recently traveled to Washington D.C. and joined long-time friend Sergeant Major Aaron Little, United States Army and Special Aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A Milley at his promotion ceremony.
In 2013, Mark created Honor Canvas honoring the service of military members and veterans and in 2016 was presented with the opportunity to connect with Never Forgotten Honor Flights.
An affiliate of the Honor Flight Network, a national network made-up of over 100 independent Hubs in 45 states, The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is a Wausau based organization established in 2009 with the simple goal of flying veterans from it’s region to Washington D.C. in order to visit memorials built in their honor.
The Never Forgotten Honor Flight program receives no government funding and is supported entirely via commercial and private donors including civic and veteran organizations, employees of corporations, churches, schools, various foundations. The only qualifying requirement a veteran must meet to participate in an Honor Flight is service during stated time periods and honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. military. There is absolutely no travel cost to the veteran at all.
During this one day trip veterans and their guardians visit the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials along with other historical landmarks including Iwo Jima Memorial (Marine Corps War Memorial), Air Force Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, and the Arlington National Cemetary where they have the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Never Forgotten Honor Flight Hub has hosted more than 3,500 veterans since 2009 as they make this memorable trip and together with the other five Wisconsin Honor Flight Hubs flew more veterans to Washinton D.C. than any other state in 2018. Currently hosting WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War-era veterans, The Never Forgotten Honor Flight also serves terminally ill veterans from any era.
In 2016 Gannett Media partnered Mayfield Sports Marketing with an opportunity to honor those who had served by sponsoring celebrity athlete John Kuhn to join 98 local veterans on a May 2016 Honor Flight. USA TODAY NETWORK and Gannett Media’s “Honoring Our Freedom” showcased military mail from home from the Civil War through current operations.
“With the success of the Brewers’ Jonathan Lucroy going on the flight in Milwaukee in 2014, we thought it would be awesome to have a Packers player go on a flight. Working with and knowing John, we didn't make any other suggestions for players to go on the flight. John has always been involved with the Wisconsin communities in a variety of ways. Not only being a huge fan favorite, we knew he would be humbled to take the flight and the journey with the veterans on the flight.” ~ Mark Mayfield, Mayfield Sports Marketing.
During his time with the Honor Flight participants, Kuhn had the opportunity to interview six of them for a half-hour documentary, John Kuhn Honoring our Freedom DVD, about their journey which premiered Veterans Day 2016.
“To sit and have the conversations with the (veterans) I’ve had, it’s really been impressive to hear some of their stories, see the smiles on their faces and see what this truly means to them,” Kuhn said during the May 16 trip.
For players such as Kramer, who played during the Vietnam era, participating in the Honor Flights is a way of bringing healing. Players during the 1960s are well aware of the reception the veterans got coming home. For these athletes, it's a chance to give the players a homecoming they didn't get before.
Playing during the Vietnam era and seeing first hand the cold homecomings Vietnam vets received decades ago had a big impact on Hall of Famer and Packer great Jerry Kramer and played a major role in his decision to get involved with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight program.
“I saw this as an attempt to ease some of the pain for some of the Vietnam veterans, I thought maybe this could heal things a little bit,” Kramer said. “I thought if they could see the monuments, memorials, and all the things that have been erected for them … and maybe hear the cheers of a few folks along the way … it might help a little bit.”
A storyteller in his own right, Kramer enjoyed having the chance interview veterans once again for a half-hour documentary, Jerry Kramer Honoring our Freedom DVD, while sharing his own stories of the Ice Bowl and playing under legendary Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi.
Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer Gilbert Brown and Mayfield Sports Marketing Owner and President Mark Mayfield had the opportunity to join area veterans on a Never Forgotten Honor Flight in May 2018. With a father who served in the Navy, Brown understands first hand the sacrifices military members and their families make.
"Every time I'm signing autographs or every time I'm somewhere, I stand up and shake these guys' hands. Just out of the respect for the things they have done us and paved the way for us," he said.
Continuing the tradition of Kuhn and Kramer before him, Brown also had the opportunity to sit down and interview veterans on the flight for a half-hour documentary, Gilbert Brown Honoring our Freedom DVD. He even credits his time with the Green and Gold for helping him take on the new challenge of interviewer:
"Being able to interview these guys, it lets them open up because they do feel like we have a rapport," Brown said. "Football, basketball, guys like us, we're the made-up guys. We're like the comic book guys compared to these guys. They are real-life heroes and champions
If you are a nonprofit and would like to work with a celebrity athlete to bring awareness to your cause, contact Mayfield Sports Marketing today with our convenient online contact form. We can help connect you with an athlete that will enhance your fundraising and bring visibility to your efforts.
On behalf of everyone at Mayfield Sports Marketing, thank you to all the veterans for your service and Honor Flight organizations who do such great work.
For sports fans, there is no greater thrill than being able to meet a celebrity athlete in person. Even better is getting an autograph and taking home proof that you have spent time in the presence of a sports hero. When your business associates with current athletes like Alvin Kamara and Melvin Gordon or a former superstar like Brett Favre, customers take notice!
If you are a business or nonprofit, autograph sessions can take your event to the next level. They are guaranteed to increase turnout and attention to your business. For foundations and nonprofits, having an auction of autographed items is a surefire way to bump up interest and raise considerable funds.
The most important decision you will make is to decide what athlete you want to have. You don’t have to try and book an athlete yourself. An established sports marketing agency will have connections to connect and hopefully book the athlete you want. They can also discuss with you what you hope to accomplish at your event and provide choices you might not have thought of.
For a foundation or nonprofit, keep in mind that athletes often have a favorite charity or cause they want to promote. You will have more success in booking an athlete if your organization promotes a cause that is near and dear to the athlete’s heart.
While everyone seems to want a current star athlete, there are other options. Often, former athletes, especially Hall of Famers like Jerry Kramer or Paul Molitor, are big draws. Another general rule of thumb is “even minor stars are major draws”. Minor league players, team broadcasters, coaches, and athletes who were stars in college can all increase turnout and provide significant positive exposure for your business. Keep your options open!
Have a wide variety of things available to be signed. Also, make sure to get some extra signatures for people to purchase later if they can’t make it to the event.
Finally, promote, promote, promote! It’s not just advertising the event beforehand. It’s also vital to promote afterward through social media postings and other advertisements. A celebrity athlete provides star power and credibility to your business. Take advantage of that and create interest in when your next event will be taking place!
There is so much upside to an autograph session for your business. A well-run autograph session can really take your event to the next level. If you’re interested in setting one up, contact Mayfield Sports Marketing using our convenient online contact form. We have extensive connections with current and former athletes in many sports and would love to see your business or nonprofit gain exposure and brand awareness.
Be a part of a winning team! Contact Mayfield Sports Marketing today.
The Gilbert Brown tailgate party returned to Stadium View Sports Bar and Banquet Hall yesterday with Super Bowl Champion Eugene Robinson and Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer Ahman Green to get the fans ready for the Packer’s game against the Denver Broncos. Rain may have moved the party inside but didn’t keep the fans away from the fun with hundreds of Packer, and even a few Bronco fans stopping by to say “Hi” while grabbing an autograph and selfie of their favorite players.
Coming to Green Bay from Seattle in 1995, Robinson recorded 55 tackles and led the Packers with eight interceptions as the team went on to become Super Bowl XXXI Champions, beating the New England Patriots, Robinson’s hometown team, 35-21. In 1999 Robinson was awarded the Bart Starr Award, presented to an NFL player exemplifying outstanding leadership and character in the community, on the field, and in the home.
The Packer’s all-time leading rusher, Ahman Green played 8 of his 12 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers before retiring as one in 2009. During his tenure with Green Bay, he made four trips to the Pro Bowl (2001-2004) and was the NFC Offensive Player of the Year (2003). Green was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Football Hall of Fame on July 19, 2014.
Few establishments as large as Stadium View have remained in a single family for as long as they have, entering their 27th Packer season as the favorite local “Mom & Pop” sports bar to meet up with friends and catch the game. Mayfield Sports Marketing and Gilbert Brown were honored when second-generation owners Bob and Amanda Watson approached them about teaming up to host the Exclusive Gilbert “The Gravedigger” Brown Tailgate Party before each Packer home game. With a full staff that is second to none when it comes to cold drinks, delicious food, and fun there is no better place to start the game day experience than at Stadium View Sports Bar and Banquet Hall.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is a leading speakers bureau and sports marketing agency helping large and small companies book celebrity athletes for speaking events, athlete appearances, and autograph sessions. Interested in bringing Gilbert Brown, Eugene Robinson, Ahman Green, or another celebrity athlete to your next event? Contact The Mayfield Sports Marketing team at 262-366-8188 or by completing our online form requesting a quote.
After a successful opening at Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, IA, FanDuel once again reached out to Mayfield Sports Marketing for the debut of sports betting in Dubuque, IA on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
Green Bay Packer alumni Antonio Freeman was on hand at Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque for the grand opening, greeting fans and celebrating the iconic step.
"I think it's amazing, I think it's great for the community and for sports betting. It gives you a convenient place to go and it's comfortable in here and I think sports betters will enjoy the new addition to Diamond Jo."
Antonio Freeman to KCRQ Your 24 Hour News
Hundreds came to welcome fan-favorite Antonio Freeman to Dubuque’s Diamond Jo Casino for the grand opening. Banking on the luck his number 86 jersey brought him during his football career, the former Packer wide receiver placed an $86 ceremonial first bet that the Green Bay Packers score more than 21.5 points in their game against the Chicago Bears.
In addition to the initial $45,000 licensing fee, Iowa casinos will pay a $10,000 annual renewal fee with Iowa taxing revenues at 6.75% in order to offer sports betting.
A popular fantasy sports provider, FanDuel moved into sports betting following the recent Supreme Court ruling opening initial locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with locations in Iowa and Indiana quickly following.
Looking to bring Antonio Freeman or another celebrity athlete to your next event? Contact Mayfield Sports Marketing via our online form or by phone at 262-366-8188. From store grand openings, meet and greets, autograph sessions, motivational speaking, product endorsements and more the team at Mayfield Sports will connect you with the perfect current or retired player for your event.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-Gambler.
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation (VLCF) Punt Pass Kick Competition benefiting the Starr Children’s Fund was held on August 25, 2019, in the Fox Valley, Madison, and Milwaukee areas. A fundraiser supporting pediatric cancer research and care, the Punt Pass Kick Competition challenges girls and boys between the ages of 6-13 to participate in the ultimate football challenge for a chance to win medals, Cousins Subs gift cards, autographed sports memorabilia, and more while helping other children battling cancer.
Three stadiums hosted this year's Punt Pass Kick Competition including Rocket Stadium at Neenah High School, Mansfield Stadium at James Madison Memorial High School, and Raabe Stadium at Wisconsin Lutheran College Athletic Field.
Mayfield Sports Marketing worked with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation and Cousins Subs to have fan favorites Gilbert Brown and Jarred Abbrederis at two of the competition locations. Super Bowl Champion and Packer Legend Gilbert Brown greeted participants at Raabe Stadium while former Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer Jared Abbrederis met with athletes and their families in Neenah at Rocket Stadium.
Established in 1971, the foundation embodies the commitment to excellence, enthusiasm, and spirit of former Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi. The foundation works to raise funds for compassionate care and advancements in cancer research in coach Lombardi’s honor who on September 3, 1970, lost his own battle to colon cancer. Visit the VLCF website to buy tickets, sponsor, or donate to an event.
Bart and Cherry Starr introduced the Starr Children’s Fund in 2017 with a clear vision in mind, to see children cancer free so everyone’s future benefits. The Starr Children’s Fund is committed to raising funds in order to support and advance pediatric cancer treatments and research.
A leading Wisconsin speaker bureau and sports marketing agency, Mayfield Sports has helped many companies throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. Specializing in helping businesses of all sizes book celebrity speakers and athlete appearances for corporate events, Mayfield Sports Marketing has created a large network of athletes, agents, public relations companies and talent managers that allow them to find an athlete for any event and within most budgets. Looking for a celebrity athlete for your next event? Complete our online form or contact Mark today at 262-366-8188
Mayfield Sports, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, and Cousins Subs finalize deal bringing Gilbert Brown and Jared Abbrederis to local Punt Pass Kick Competitions, Sunday, August 25, 2019.
Join the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation as they host the 2019 Starr Children’s Fund Punt Pass Kick competition. Partnering with Cousins Subs, this event allows children ages 6-13 to help kids with a cancer diagnosis by taking part in this exciting football challenge at local area stadiums.
For a $10 donation area youth can punt, pass, and kick their way to helping children diagnosed with cancer at three local events in Fox Valley, Madison, and Milwaukee. Same day cash or check registration is available at events gates with all proceeds going towards pediatric cancer research and care.
There are four age groups for girls and boys to compete in with sign-in for each age group beginning one hour prior to it’s start time:
Participants in each age group will have the opportunity to win medals and Cousins Subs gift cards.
Two fan favorites will be attending local Punt Pass Kick events, meeting with participants and available for autographs and photos. Super Bowl Champion Gilbert Brown will be attending the Milwaukee area Punt Pass Kick event at Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Raabe Stadium at 1401 N Swan Blvd in Wauwatosa while Packer and Badger alumni Jared Abbrederis will make an appearance at Fox Valley Punt Pass Kick competition at Neenah High School’s Rocket Stadium located at 1275 Tullar Rd in Neenah, WI.
Both Gilbert Brown and Jared Abbrederis, along with a large selection of current and retired NFL, NBA, and MLB celebrity athletes are available for player appearances, motivational speaking, autograph signings, and product endorsement through Mayfield Sports. Contact Mark at 262-366-8188 and let his team help take your event or marketing strategy to the next level.
E-5 Sports announced today Brett Favre will be returning for a rare Green Bay public appearance on Saturday, September 14, 2019, at D2 Sports Pub located at 788 Armed Forces Dr in Green Bay, WI from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A 3-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl 31 Champion, 2015 Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame Inductee, #4 retired in 2015, and 2016 NFL Hall of Fame Inductee, Brett Favre is a fan favorite and an autograph you won’t want to miss out on getting.
“We are so excited to work with Brian at E5 Sports and Radkte Sports” shared Mark Mayfield, owner of Mayfield Sports. “Can’t wait to see all the fans who come out to see HOF and Packers Legend Brett Favre Sept 14”
Unsigned items can be ordered ahead of time along with autograph tickets and picked up at will call the night of the event. Unsigned items will also be available for purchase the day of the event.
Brett will sign but not inscribe “game-used” or “game-worn” on any item, reserves the right to not sign any item or inscription, and will not sign any original artwork without prior approval. If you are unsure if Brett will sign your item or a particular inscription, please call or email E-5 Sports ahead of the event day.
All Brett Favre autographed items will come with a Radtke numbered hologram at no extra cost.
A very limited number of VIP front-of-line Brett Favre autograph tickets are available for this event including:
All VIP front-of-line customers will need to be to the event by 7 p.m.
Don’t fret if you miss out on one of the VIP front-of-line tickets, standard autograph pricing is also available:
Brett Favre will be signing autographs from 7:30 - 9 p.m. All standard autograph customers will need to be to the event by 6:30 p.m.
Purchase a professionally posed photo, including one (1) 8x10 printed copy, with Brett and up to four people of this historic event.
Brett Favre will be doing photo ops from 7 - 7:30 p.m. All photo op customers will need to be to the event by 6:30 p.m.
All ticket sales for this event are final. Autograph tickets are for Brett Favre’s autograph only and do not include any item to be signed. Purchased tickets can be picked up at E-5 Sports located at 7241 W Greenfield Ave in West Allis, WI during regular business hours or at D2 Sports Pub the night of the event. A photo ID and copy of your receipt are required for ticket pick-up. Tickets will not be mailed.
A portion of all proceeds will benefit favre4hope and The Starr Children’s Fund.
Looming storms, heat and humidity didn’t stop Green Bay Packer fans from coming out to meet Super Bowl XLV Champion Nick Collins last night as the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters hosted the Kenosha Kingfish.
While fans knew of his football greatness, many were surprised when he shared baseball was actually his first passion, even being drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of high school. Needing to focus on one sport while attending Bethune-Cookman, Collins thankfully choose football, being drafted by the Packers in 2005 in the second round of the draft.
During his seven seasons with Green Bay Collins played in three Pro Bowls, was a three-time Second-Team All-Pro, NFC Interception co-leader in 2008, NFL interception return yards leader in 2008, and Super Bowl XLV champion. In 2016, Collins efforts and accomplishments with the Packers were further recognized as he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
Currently residing with his family in Florida, Collins is available for motivational speaking, autograph sessions, player appearances, and endorsement opportunities.
Wisconsin’s largest independent communications company, Solarus has been keeping customers connected for more than 120 years. Delivering innovative, affordable and reliable communication solutions, they provide the area’s most flexible TV, phone and internet options.
Just like the Packers, Solarus is owned by local stockholders, with employees living in the communities they serve. They understand the value of community routinely give back to local initiatives, organizations, and area schools as part of their commitment to making Central Wisconsin a great place to do business, work and live.
Bringing Packer greats to Historic Witter Field to meet their fans is nothing new for the Rafters. This is the second time they’ve partnered with Mayfield Sports, kicking off the Jerry Kramer Baseball Stadium Tour the end of June.
Their first game back after the All-Star break where Rafters Richie Schiekofer, Neil Abbatiello, Matt Osterberg, and Jake Dunham played significant roles in the Great Lakes 5-2 victory, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters shut out the Kenosha Kingfish 1-0 in the evening’s game.
Mayfield Sports is a leader in sports marketing, pairing celebrity athletes with local businesses, non-profits, and schools. Having developed professional relationships with numerous current and past NFL, NBA, and MLB athletes, Mayfield Sports owner Mark Mayfield works with each client in finding the right celebrity athlete for their clients. Contact him today at 262-366-8188 to book Collins, or any of the other celebrity athletes for your next event.
Mayfield Sports once again teamed up with Gross Motors to give local Packer fans a chance to meet one of their favorites. Cornerback Jaire Alexander talked with fans, signed autographs, and posed for pictures as part of Gross Motors of Marshfield’s Customer Appreciation Celebration.
“Jaire, with his personality, is always fun to be around,” shared Mark Mayfield, owner of Mayfield Sports, “and anytime you can bring a first-round pick, having the season Jaire had last year to meet the fans is going to be a blast. Mike and Jodi do a great job of hosting these events and we’re always excited when we can get things like this scheduled.”
Debuting against the Chicago Bears in the Green Bay Packer’s season-opener, Jaire posted three solo tackles during the Packer’s 24-23 win. He earned his first half-sack the following week during the teams tie with the Minnesota Vikings and his first career interception in week four in a game the Packer’s easily won 22-0 against the Buffalo Bills.
In total, Alexander finished the 2018 season with 11 starts, one quarterback hit along with a half-sack, 11 pass breakups, one interception, three tackles that resulted in lost yardage, and 66 total tackles. He led the Packers in defended passes while finishing second in total tackles behind Blake Martinez and being recognized by Pro Football Focus as the NFL cornerback with the highest percentage of contested passes during the 2018 season.
Gross Motors Auto Group has been meeting the automotive needs of central Wisconsin since 1956 as GM’s top-ranked dealer in Wisconsin. With dealerships in Neillsville, Marshfield, Black River Falls, and Spencer they frequently partner with Mayfield Sports in bringing current and alumni Packer players including Gilbert Brown, Josh Jones, and now Jaire Alexander to central Wisconsin to meet fans.
Ready to bring sports fans into your business? Contact Mark at 262-366-8188 today to schedule a celebrity athlete event with one of our many current or retired NFL, NBA, and MLB players. From speaking events, autograph sessions, and player appearances we have a booking and player to meet your needs.
Mayfield Sports, Sports Radio 107.5 & 1400 The Fan, and Green Bay Packer Nose Tackle Kenny Clark finalize a deal for “The Kenny Clark Show” to return for the third year. Packer nose tackle Kenny Clark will once again join co-host Bob Watts for this bi-weekly radio show.
A live one-hour radio show airing Wednesday nights from 6 - 7 p.m., “The Kenny Clark Show” will once again be broadcasted from the Green Bay Distillery located at 835 Mike McCarthy Way in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Fans are invited to come be part of the audience and have a chance to win weekly prizes with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.
“We are very excited to announce that Kenny will be back for his third year co-hosting the bi-weekly live radio show. We look forward to a huge year on and off the field for Kenny in 2019!”
Clark definitely recognizes the importance of media and connecting with fans. The 2018 recipient of the Tom Hulhern Stand-Up Guy Award presented by the Green Bay chapter of Professional Football Writers of America, Kenny was recognized for his efforts in helping reporters covering the Packers effectively do their jobs.
“A lot of it is trying to connect with the fans, and just trying to be a good guy all-around,” said Clark upon receiving the award. “I know (the media has) a job to do, and it’s my job to talk. I’ve got to do my job, be serviceable. And then yeah, just connecting with the fans, showing them my side, how I do things. That’s just how I am.”
Alternating bi-weekly with “The Geronimo Allison Show”, Packer teammates will join #97 to talk football and life in Green Bay each week during the regular NFL season and playoffs when the Packers are playing. There is no show during Packer’s bye week.
Mayfield Sports Marketing specializes in contracting celebrity athletes with organizations, businesses, and foundations for motivational speaking, autograph appearances, endorsement deals, and more. From boosting attendance at your next event, motivating employees or students, or increasing profits and sales, the team at Mayfield Sports Marketing will walk you through how celebrity appearances and endorsements can work for you.
