LISLE, Ill. – Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, and consumer sweepstakes winner Joey Delk took center stage in Times Square on live, national television on Monday, where Delk attempted to throw a football through an Eckrich target for a prize of $1 million. Delk made his first attempt at the prize-winning throw before the College Football Playoff National Championship game last week and, when the video of his failed throw went viral, college football fans called for Delk to receive a second chance.
Eckrich answered the call and invited Delk to attempt the throw again a week later live on Good Morning America, in the middle of New York City's Times Square. Delk was allowed three throws for various prizes at 25, 15, and seven yards away from the target. Although his attempts all fell short, Eckrich surprised Delk with a year of free groceries, valued at more than $13,000.
"This was an awesome opportunity, the whole experience, that Eckrich gave to me. It would have been nice to make one of the throws, but I feel like I redeemed myself a little bit. Again, Eckrich is a great brand for allowing me another chance," said Delk.
Delk was randomly selected as the grand prize winner of the season-long Eckrich Road to the National Championship sweepstakes. In addition to receiving a chance to throw for $1 million, Delk won an all-expenses paid trip to the College Football National Championship game in Tampa, Fla.
"Joey Delk has been such a great sport throughout this whole experience," said Jennifer Zmrhal, Smithfield Foods senior director of marketing. "Eckrich is honored to reward our fans with moments like this, and we are excited to see Joey go home with a year of free groceries."
Eckrich just completed its first year as the Official Smoked Sausage and Deli Meat sponsor of the College Football Playoff. As part of the yearlong partnership, the brand launched the Road to the National Championship sweepstakes this past summer. Fourteen lucky fans received the opportunity to throw for $1 million at some of the biggest college football games of the year, including the National Championship Game.
The brand promoted the sweepstakes through experiential marketing, public relations, and special-edition packaging on select Eckrich products.
Eckrich also donated more than $150,000 in free groceries to Operation Homefront military families throughout the college football season. The brand has donated more than $2.5 million to Operation Homefront since 2012.
About Eckrich
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Kretschmar®, Gwaltney®, Curly's®, Margherita®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Krakus®, Morliny®, and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.
Source: Smithfield Foods
