• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, November 29, 2018

Dunkin’ -- which will officially debut its shortened, sans “Donuts” brand name in January -- has launched a year-long regional brand endorsement deal with New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

Barkley will promote various Dunkin’ menu offerings and deals in advertising, social media and live events within the New York metro area (including 14 New York counties, 13 New Jersey counties and Connecticut's Fairfield County).

The partnership is kicking off with video ads for Dunkin’s new line of espresso beverages — a major initiative that’s already being backed by a notably brand-atypical TV and digital campaign from BBDO New York.

One of the initial Barkley ads (below) has the player predicting that the espresso beverages are going to be even “huger” than his huge legs (which get larger, via digital morphing, even as he speaks).