When it comes to communication, there is little more powerful than being there and refusing to leave. Just ask newly signed JETS wide receiver, Joe Anderson.
After not making it with any other NFL teams, the wide receiver was picked up by the New York practice squad. Why? Because of his attitude, creative thinking, grit and refusal to take “no” for an answer.
Anderson became a PR sensation, especially on social media, after standing outside the Houston Texans stadium for days lobbying for a shot at a job in the NFL. During his standoff, Anderson held signs with various slogans including: “Not homeless … but STARVING for success!” Another popular one: “Will Run Routes 4 Food.”
Anderson also took to social media, popularizing his message with hashtags like “WhateverItTakes” and “UnderDog”.
This was not where Anderson’s NFL career began, but it could have been where it ended. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern back in 2012, Anderson had an inauspicious and ignoble stint in the NFL before being signed to the JETS practice squad.
Signed by the Bears, Anderson played in nine games, mostly on special teams. In 2013 he suffered multiple injuries, cutting his season short. Philadelphia signed him in the offseason in 2014, and he played some in the CFL but was later waived.
While Houston was unmoved by Anderson’s actions, his former Chicago teammate, Brandon Marshall felt the love. Marshall, now with the JETS, appreciated Anderson’s humility and fire, saying the unsigned receiver was “one of the hardest working guys I’ve had the pleasure of playing with.”
On Instagram, Marshall continued his support for Anderson. “Some may call him crazy … Joe, you’re the kinda guy I want to play with … the guy I want in my foxhole…”
“Apparently, someone in New York was listening.”, says NY financial expert Jonah Engler. Anderson got out and got in front of the right people. The Right People saw it and took action. That’s the power of presence in PR.
