Michael Phelps Tops Celebrity Endorsement Rankings

Is Michael Phelps awesome or what? Watching him dominate the Olympics swimming events was something magical. I don't know what is more impressive, the fact that he won eight gold medals or how he won them. I do not think we will ever see anything like it again. But who knows, I am sure people said the same thing back when Mark Spitz won seven Olympic gold medals. Now comes word that Phelps is the most sought-after celebrity endorser. I can not say that I am surprised.

Phelps ranked number one in terms of endorsement appeal on the first Davie-Brown Index compiled after the Summer Olympics. The index is compiled by a Los Angeles-based talent agency. Phelps, a Towson native, jumped from the No. 1,111 spot, where he ranked prior to the start of the Beijing games. Phelps beat out basketball legend Jordan, who ranked No. 2 in terms of endorsement appeal, and movie star Hanks, who was third. Phelps was No. 10 on the overall index, which is compiled by surveying 1,000 people who are presented with the name and face of a celebrity and asked if they are aware of the individual. Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Will Smith topped the overall list.

The survey found that Phelps is now recognized by nearly 95 percent of U.S. consumers, up significantly from prior to the start of the Olympics. He was ranked second by the agency in terms of influence and third in aspiration and breakthrough — a gauge of how much consumers take notice when they hear or see Phelps. Phelps is the fifth most-appealing celebrity, trailing only Morgan Freeman, Hanks, Smith and Denzel Washington.

However, Davie Brown officials said Phelps’ popularity is peaking and could slow down over time. For now Michael Phelps should enjoy every moment of this. After all, he earned it.