Former NFL QB & Premier League Player Become Business Partners to Sports Shoe Maker

Former NFL Quarterback Jeff Garcia, discount Premier League Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, arthritis and National Geographic Channel’s “Shark Men” star Captain Brett McBride have become business partners and corporate advisors to Cleatskins, makers of innovative and stylish sports shoe accessories that preserve athletic performance.

The addition of Garcia, Schwarzer, and McBride to the company’s leadership team is part of an aggressive growth strategy for 2012 aimed at driving direct and retail sales.

Rick Kay, executive vice president of Cleatskins, said: “Garcia, Schwarzer, and McBride bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, which we are very eager to tap into as we take Cleatskins to the next level. These partners, as both athletes and businessmen, will play pivotal roles in elevating the Cleatskins brand among parents, sports enthusiasts, and athletes of all levels.”

Garcia, a San Diego resident, was a four-time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback selection, who played 17 professional seasons, and is one of only eight quarterbacks in NFL history to have achieved two consecutive 30 touchdown pass seasons. He is currently actively involved in civic and charitable causes across San Diego County and nationally. Garcia will help bolster the Cleatskins business via team partnerships at the middle, high school, and college levels, in addition to sports-related grassroots relationships and events.

“Athletes understand the importance of being smart and efficient both on and off the field,” Garcia said. “When I was introduced to Cleatskins – a product specifically designed to preserve performance, enhance efficiency, and provide mobility off the field – I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I’m excited to give parents, coaches, and athletes a new tool for optimum performance.”

Schwarzer, who also represents Australia at the international level, was selected for both the 2006 and 2010 Australian soccer teams for the FIFA World Cup. He currently plays for Fulham Football Club in London, where he was named Player of the Year in 2008-2009. He was recently named the Australian Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive year, and Premier League Player of the Month earlier this year.

“When I first heard about Cleatskins, I had one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ moments,” Schwarzer said. “Cleatskins will be a household name one day by offering the kind of performance protection appreciated by not only professional athletes but athletes of all levels.”

McBride, a San Diego native and waterman with 20 years of experience, is best known for his starring roles on Outdoor Channel’s “Offshore Adventures” and National Geographic Channel’s “Shark Men.” McBride will spearhead boosting awareness of Boatskins^TM among the boating and yachting communities as an accessory that provides much needed traction while preventing damage to deck floors.

“Cleatskins are a natural choice for boaters and yachters who want the performance of athletic shoes while answering the challenges of deck surfaces. I work hard on the boat, so I need traction, durability, and comfort,” McBride said. “The fact I can slide Cleatskins over my favorite athletic shoes and get all that, while also avoiding oil and blood stains or making marks on the decks, is awesome. I’m stoked to join forces with a company I can truly stand behind and that brings value to my peers out on the water.”

Constructed of Skintek rubber, a revolutionary formulation of compression molded rubber, Cleatskins fit over cleats, snugly cupping the shoe from the bottom. They provide traction while significantly extending the life of cleats by protecting studs from wear and tear. Cleatskins are also machine washable, making them easy-to-care for and looking like new.

In addition, the unique rubber shell is slip-resistant and improves mobility and safety on asphalt and concrete surfaces, while creating a sealed barrier to keep dirt and grass out of home, car, and boat. Cleatskins are available in a variety of colors versatile enough to complement any shoe, outfit, or team uniform.