Game On! Aflac Duck Launches Season-Long Football Campaign

COLUMBUS, Ga., Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance in the United States and an official partner of the Heisman Trophy, is kicking off the college football season with a new television commercial, an online sweepstakes and a partnership with 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard.

Throughout football season, the Aflac Duck will attempt to share his football knowledge in the film room. The new television commercial called "The Paymaker" will debut on the new SEC Network during the No. 21 Texas A&M versus No. 9 South Carolina game, which airs on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. EDT.¹ The spot will make its debut on ESPN during the Boise State versus No. 18 Ole Miss game, which airs on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. EDT.¹ Download a copy of "The Paymaker."

"Many Americans look forward to football season all year long. To reach this captive audience, our new commercial offers an entertaining look at how the Aflac Duck may not be a playmaker on the field, but he's a 'paymaker' when it comes to paying claims fast," said Michael Zuna, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Aflac. "At Aflac, we're focused on paying claims as quickly as possible – on average, in only four days – to make sure our policyholders aren't sidelined if they experience an unexpected injury or illness."

The film room is full of surprises in "The Paymaker" when the Aflac Duck takes control of the practice film and confuses both players and coaches with creative interpretations of the flea flicker, double-wing formation and play action – as well as a few extra "Aflaaacs!" The head coach quickly realizes that the Aflac Duck "doesn't know much about football." But when the assistant coach tells the head coach how quickly Aflac paid his claim when he got hurt, the head coach realizes the Aflac Duck might be worth keeping on the team as long as he's not operating the film.

In addition to the new television commercial, Aflac is partnering with Howard to launch an integrated marketing campaign, including digital ads, public relations outreach and social activations on the Aflac Duck's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages.

"This year, Aflac looked for ways to extend our national partnerships further than ever before," added Zuna. "As an official partner of the Heisman Trophy, we wanted to tie into the passion college football fans have for their favorite teams and offer them what we consider the Ultimate College Football Experience. Winners will have an opportunity to see top-rated college football players in action and meet a true football legend."

On Aug. 28, the Aflac Duck will take over the YouTube homepage with an interactive football game featured prominently on the popular video site. Beginning that day, fans also will be able to enter for a chance to win the Ultimate College Football Experience sweepstakes on the Aflac Duck's Facebook page. Three lucky fans will win the Ultimate College Football Experience, including a one-on-one meet-and-greet with Howard, plus:

• Two tickets to the biggest college football game of the weekend.
• Round trip airfare.
• Hotel accommodations.
• Ground transportation to and from events.
• $500 prepaid debit card for food and other expenses.

"I'm excited to partner with Aflac this season to help create a true VIP experience for a few lucky fans," said Howard. "During my playing days, I learned the importance of speed on the field. But it's just as important off the field – especially when it comes to getting insurance claims paid quickly to help you get back in the game of life."

One prize package will be awarded for three of the season's biggest match-ups in November. Every season is unpredictable, so follow your favorite team all season to see if it's playing in the chosen games. Game destination will be announced the Sunday prior to the game and the winner will be announced the Tuesday prior to the game. Fans can enter once every 24 hours on Facebook and earn bonus entries once every 24 hours by sharing the sweepstakes on Twitter. Spread the word and let your friends know it's #GameOn!

For official rules and to enter for a chance to win this #AflacSweeps, visit http://afl.ac/AHkkD.

¹ Rankings based on AP Poll, http://collegefootball.ap.org/poll

About Aflac

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For nearly six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the worksite. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For eight consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2014, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 16th consecutive year. Also, in 2014, Fortune magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 13th time, ranking the company number one in the life and health insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

About the Sweepstakes

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes open to legal permanent residents of the US and D.C. 21 years of age or older. Sweepstakes ends November 10, 2014. Enter online only. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. This sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.

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Media contact – Kip Havel, 706-243-5543 or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac