Reebok ad featues 20 NFL stars

Reebok International Ltd. said today it is launching a TV ad with 20 National Football League stars, the most to ever appear in a single TV ad, to promote a new product that features a breakthrough in T-shirt technology.

(Two of those stars, Benjamin Watson and Laurence Maroney of the New England Patriots, ham it up in the above photo supplied by Reebok.)

Called "Join the Migration," the ad campaign focuses on "NFL Equipment Speedwick Tee", an anti-microbial, moisture wicking shirt from Reebok with a "unique, soft cotton hand," Canton-based Reebok said in a press release.

Reebok may be best known for its sneakers, but it also markets a wide range of athletic apparel.

“Speedwick is the next generation workout shirt,” David Baxter, president of Reebok's sports licensed division, said in a statement. “It offers the comfort of a traditional cotton tee, but with the breathability and anti-microbial benefits of high performance apparel.”

NFL players touting the new Tee include three Patriots: Maroney, Ty Warren, and Watson.

Peyton Manning, quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts, rates a speaking part.

In the ad, Manning says: “I’ve always preferred the feel of a cotton tee to the tight fitting compression shirts. But as an athlete, I want the technology benefits those products offer. With Speedwick, you get the best of both worlds.”

The shirt is available in color schemes for all NFL teams, and depending on style, the suggested retail price of the shirt ranges from $26 to $32, Reebok said.

In its press release, Reebok added: "The music in the spot is 'Train Song,' by psychedelic folk pioneer Vashti Bunyan. The British born Bunyan, who was discovered in 1965 by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, disappeared from the music scene for more than 30 years after the release of her debut album."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)