Why Applebee's Is Investing in Social Video Stories Starring Professional Athletes

Team Whistle is behind the spots, which deliver a more personal message

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle entered the NFL on a $27.1 million rookie deal in 2021, nearly $18 million of which went toward his signing bonus. 

He’s also 24, likes playing mini golf with his friends and eating a bunch of fries when the training schedule allows.

In a marketing landscape where data and analytics firm EDO says ads with celebrities perform 25% better than those without one, Waddle’s job tends to garner most of the attention.

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