Goodyear Kicks Off "Blimpworthy" to Celebrate the Hard Work, Determination and Grit of College Football

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT), official partner of the College Football Playoff, announced today the latest chapter in its storied association with college football by rolling out its newest marketing campaign: Blimpworthy.

The Blimpworthy concept personifies the iconic Goodyear Blimp and chronicles the hard work, determination and grit it has witnessed while covering defining moments in college football history. From getting up when you get knocked down to countless hours of preparation – Blimpworthy captures the spirit that embodies what it takes to win and succeed.

The Goodyear Blimp first provided stunning aerial views of the 1955 Rose Bowl revolutionizing the way fans experience sporting events. More than 60 years later, Goodyear's iconic airships have covered hundreds of the biggest matchups in college football history, offering their own unique perspective of the action on the ground. In 2016, Goodyear will have an aerial presence each week at ESPN's College GameDay and ABC primetime game in addition to other top matchups throughout the season. 

"Hard work, determination and grit are characteristics that are not only consistent with the culture of college football but are values greatly admired by Goodyear," said Seth Klugherz, Goodyear's North American director of marketing. "We have tremendous brand recognition in the college football landscape and this season will be about expanding on that equity and defining Blimpworthy."

Blimpworthy is highlighted by an advertisement titled "Witness," which gives an authoritative voice to one of the most iconic brand symbols in the world - the Goodyear Blimp. Filled with gritty clips from college football history, the ad provides a glimpse into some Blimpworthy moments - and the hardworking individuals behind them - that the celebrated airship has witnessed over its six decades covering college football. The advertising will debut on college football's opening weekend this Saturday and will air throughout the season.

"Blimpworthy is a way for Goodyear to showcase and recognize the players, coaches, fans and teams who create college football culture and have invested the hard work to elevate the sport," said Klugherz. 

As part of the comprehensive marketing effort, Goodyear is teaming up with a roster of athletes from a variety of backgrounds synonymous with college football and Blimpworthy accolades - including ESPN Analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis - who will help launch and sustain the campaign throughout the college football season.

Fans can follow the action all season long on the road to the 81^st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at www.goodyearcollegefootball.com or use #Blimpworthy on social media channels.

About Goodyear
Goodyear, founded in 1898 in Akron, is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.  

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Goodyear-Final-Witness.mp4

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company