White text on black background reads, 'Shanie 3GEL PEN' and 'ROOKIE OF THE YEAR'.

STRATEGIC INSIGHT:
The journey to the NFL is filled with unforgettable firsts, and for many athletes, their first signature is with a Sharpie. When it comes time to sign the most important contract of their life, they return to the brand they’ve trusted all along. Sharpie doesn’t just show up in sports culture — it’s embedded in it.

Torn black and white textured paper with a black background.

CREATIVE SOLUTION:
We launched the campaign in real time on NFL Draft Day, as top picks Ashton Jeanty and Tetairoa McMillan signed their rookie contracts with the Sharpie S-Gel. By connecting their first autograph to this defining moment, we positioned Sharpie not just as a pen, but as a symbol of legacy, trust, and high performance.

A man with dreadlocks wearing sunglasses, a black cap with the word 'champie' on it, and a black jacket, smiling at a press conference with multiple microphones in front of him.

Here’s how we DID it

Man with dreadlocks wearing sunglasses and a black jacket at a promotional event for Sharpie, with microphones in front of him and a backdrop with the Sharpie logo. Text on the image says "I signed my pro contract with Sharpie".
Two male football players in athletic gear posing in a gym, holding Sharpie pens, with football equipment nearby. One is a running back from Las Vegas, and the other is a wide receiver from North Carolina. A quote on a red background at the bottom reads, 'We signed our first pro contracts with Sharpie.'
A football player in a white uniform kneeling on a football field, holding a football in one hand and a pen in the other, with a large stadium in the background. The image features promotional text for a Sharpie S Gel Pen.
Person holding a black Sharpie marker in their right hand, dressed in athletic wear, standing on artificial turf with a red background.
A man with dreadlocks wearing sunglasses, a black cap, and a black varsity jacket with 'Sharpie' written on it, standing in front of a backdrop that reads 'Sharpie'. Multiple hands hold microphones and pens branded with 'Sharpie', surrounding him as
A person signing a document at a table surrounded by microphones with 'Sharpie' labels, during a press conference or interview.
Two football players sitting on bleachers in a gym. One player is wearing a black jersey with the number 2, and the other is wearing a white jersey with the number 4. The player in white is holding a football, and the player in black is holding a pen
A man with dreadlocks wearing sunglasses, a black cap, and a black and white jumper, holding a Sharpie marker in front of a table with microphones, at a promotional event for Sharpie.
A man signing a document at a press conference with multiple microphones labeled 'Sharpie' in front of him.
American football player wearing a black jersey and helmet, holding a football in a gym, and reaching towards the camera with a black Sharpie marker.
A young man wearing sunglasses, a black cap, and a black jacket with 'Sharpie' logo, stands in front of a backdrop with 'Sharpie' logo, surrounded by multiple microphones and reporters' hands holding pens and microphones, all branded with 'Sharpie' f
Indoor sports court with green turf and black wall background.

"From First Autograph to First Contract, Sharpie Owns the Signature Moment, Two Years Running."