David Ortiz has always known how to bring energy — on the field, in the clubhouse, and now, in the boardroom. Nearly a decade after retiring from baseball, “Big Papi” is once again making headlines, this time not for a home run, but for a business swing that’s every bit as powerful.
The Boston Red Sox legend has signed a $10 million endorsement deal with a major energy drink brand, expanding his growing portfolio as one of baseball’s most influential post-career entrepreneurs. It’s the latest step in Ortiz’s transformation from iconic slugger to savvy businessman, a move that cements his status as more than just a sports figure — but a brand in himself.
“I’m still Big Papi,” Ortiz said with his signature grin. “But now, I’m a businessman. I still bring energy — just in a different way.”
Ortiz’s partnership isn’t just another celebrity endorsement. Sources close to the deal describe him as an active brand partner, with equity stakes and creative control over marketing campaigns. The company plans to center its new global campaign around Ortiz’s story — his charisma, resilience, and his ability to inspire people to keep moving forward.
For Ortiz, it’s personal. After surviving a near-fatal shooting in 2019 and rebuilding his life, he’s used his second chance not just to live, but to lead. “After everything I’ve been through, I want to put my name on things that give people strength — that remind them to fight for life,” he said.
It’s the same energy that once electrified Fenway Park now redirected into business. Over the past few years, Ortiz has quietly built a diverse investment portfolio — from lifestyle brands and sports tech startups to his philanthropic work through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.
“He’s not just lending his face; he’s building his future,” said one marketing executive familiar with the deal. “What makes Ortiz special is authenticity — when he says something gives him energy, people believe it. That’s a rare thing in today’s world of corporate endorsements.”
Ortiz’s post-playing career mirrors the growing trend of athletes turning moguls. Like LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Derek Jeter, he’s rewriting the script of what it means to retire — proving that influence doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
But make no mistake — Ortiz still brings the same swagger that made him Boston’s heartbeat. “You never stop being Big Papi,” he said, laughing. “I still wake up every day ready to win. Just now, I do it in meetings instead of at the plate.”
Fans online have already dubbed the deal “Big Papi Energy,” a fitting label for a man who’s made a career out of inspiring others — first through power, now through purpose.
“Life gave me a second chance,” Ortiz said. “I want to use it to build, to inspire, and to remind people — you don’t need a bat to make an impact.”
And in true Big Papi fashion, he’s swinging for the fences once again — only this time, in the world of business.
Leave a Reply