• USA Today , Friday, September 12, 2008 8:18 AM

Tom Brady's season-ending knee injury last Sunday may dim his prospects for new endorsement deals, some sports marketing experts say. Despite the New England Patriot quarterback's rugged good looks, three Super Bowl rings and glamorous lifestyle with a supermodel girlfriend, the lack of on-the-field visibility and questions about his future could dampen sponsors' interest.

Last year, Brady's endorsement income totaled $10 million, according to Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" report. His major brand sponsorships include Movado high-end watches, Coca-Cola's Glacéau's Smartwater, private jet service NetJets, Coty's Stetson cologne and Atari's "Backyard Football" video game.

Current sponsors are voicing support. But while he recovers, new ads, new contracts and expansion of current deals could be sidelined. "Just like he's on the shelf for the team, he's also on the shelf for the companies he's endorsing," says Jim Andrews, editorial director of IEG Sponsorship Report.

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