New York, NY, July 16, 2003 – The National Football League (NFL) announced today a groundbreaking, three-year sponsorship agreement with Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Bayer) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

This represents the first official multi-year sponsorship for the NFL with pharmaceutical companies. Bayer and GSK will be ‘Proud Sponsors of the NFL’ which includes exclusive rights in the men’s health category. Bayer and GSK signed a co-promotion and co-development agreement for LEVITRA â (vardenafil HCI), an investigational new drug awaiting approval from FDA.

As official sponsors, Bayer and GSK will benefit from the NFL’s position as America’s favorite sport. Each week, 120 million people watch NFL games on television providing a unique opportunity to reach the League’s fans with important messages about men’s health.

‘We are pleased to welcome Bayer and GSK to our prestigious roster of corporate sponsors,’ said John Collins, NFL Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales. ‘The NFL is taking an ambitious step in entering the men’s health category. We look forward to working with Bayer and GSK to educate our fans about important health issues.’

‘The NFL is the most admired sports league in the US and Bayer and GSK are delighted and proud to be joining them on this groundbreaking, innovative initiative,’ said David Pernock, Senior Vice-President with GlaxoSmithKline US Pharmaceuticals.

‘The men’s health education campaign will bring important information to men and their loved ones, with the overall goal of encouraging men to proactively manage their health and visit their doctor,’ said Colin Foster, President, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Contact:

Brian McCarthy
National Football League
212-450-2069 mccarthyb@nfl.com