Quarterback Justin Herbert is joining a new team. But don’t worry, Chargers fans, he isn’t going anywhere. Continuing a recent trend of influencers and athletes from other sports linking up with equipment manufacturers, the Los Angeles signal-caller became the latest high-profile name to ink a multi-year deal with Callaway Golf.
As part of the deal, the 25-year-old will play Callaway equipment and appear in branded content; he’ll also continue to support junior golf initiatives as a brand ambassador.
“Golf is a sport that’s all about precision and that’s something that resonates with me as a quarterback,” said Herbert, who became passionate about golf over the past several years living in California. “That’s why I’m thrilled to team up with Callaway, a brand that understands the importance of attention to detail and the value of hard work. Whether I’m playing a round with friends or playing for my annual golf invitational, I know I can count on Callaway to provide me with the gear and support I need to succeed.”
Callaway has expanded its stable of ambassadors beyond the professional golf ranks in recent years. In 2019, the brand announced a multi-year partnership with Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry — the deal was renewed in 2023 — that brought to life several initiatives focusing on expanding the game to underserved and underrepresented youth. (It should be noted Callaway has always been forward-thinking with its brand ambassadors. Rock legend Alice Cooper is actually the longest-tenured Callaway staffer.)
Herbert is hoping to do the same as a Callaway staffer. According to the equipment manufacturer, Herbert and Callaway first connected last year when he competed with recent Masters champion, and Callaway staffer, Jon Rahm during Nickelodeon’s first-ever golf broadcast.
During the event, Callaway and Herbert recognized “their shared passion for making the game more fun and inviting, especially for younger players who are new to golf.” Shortly thereafter, the two sides started to discuss the possibility of signing Herbert to an ambassador deal.
Callaway 2023 Big Bertha Custom Driver
“We’re proud to have Justin Herbert as the newest member of the Callaway Golf team,” said Callaway’s VP of global marketing, Nick McInally. “Not only is Justin one of the best quarterbacks in football, he’s also incredibly passionate about the game of golf and helping bring more people, especially kids, into the game. We’re thrilled to work with him on dedicated golf activations and look forward to being able to share some of the great content we have already captured in the coming months.”
Herbert has been the face of the Chargers franchise since he was drafted sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s already set several records in his first three seasons, including the most passing touchdowns (31) and 300-yard passing games (8) by a rookie quarterback.