By Katie Mercogliano ‘14

Last year, the NFL’s “Play 60” campaign, which encouraged kids to get at least one hour of exercise daily in hopes of reversing childhood obesity, was repeatedly played during the games. Professional athletes, whether they want the responsibility or not, are influential celebrities to young children, and the “Play 60” campaign displayed them using those powers to benefit the lives of kids.

But in this year’s endorsements, it’s apparent the focus is becoming more and more on how many Papa John’s pizzas the great Peyton Manning can get for cheaper or who stole the McDonald’s Mighty Wings from star quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Colin Kaepernick.

Obesity is the most significant health issue for American children and adolescents, and has doubled in the last 30 years, according to the Center for Disease Control. It doesn’t take an expert to tell you that pizza and McDonald’s aren’t a part of a nutritional diet, and it is highly unlikely that eating the junk food these athletes endorse is what got them to where they are today. The average adult (hopefully) can realize this fact, but impressionable young kids also look up to likable athletes and strive to be just like them.

Celebrity endorsements are a common and usually successful tactic that advertisers use to promote a product, and you would have to be an idiot not to say yes to a quick buck (or a million) just to star in a commercial or two. But there is some blatant irony in big-name athletes, who are known for their impeccable physical capabilities, endorsing foods that increase the childhood obesity rate. Several athletes endorse healthy foods for a big chunk of change too, like Robert Griffin III and others for Subway. It’s possible to collect on the celebrity status while still being a good role model.

There is no reason why a celebrity athlete should not be able to reap the benefits of their success through endorsement deals that they are offered. But choosing to market fast food when their job is to be fit and healthy sends a mixed message to kids. These athletes should be fighting the childhood obesity epidemic, not contributing to it.