• by Danielle Oster , August 1, 2023

Captain Morgan is asking drinkers if they have a little team captain in them.

The Diageo-owned rum brand launched a new contest for the “NFL Fan of the Year,” timed to coincide with the beginning of NFL training camp. It’s part of Captain Morgan’s sponsorship of the NFL for the third consecutive year as the league’s official spiced rum.

The Fan of the Year is one who blends enthusiasm for their team with being “a positive influence and rallying force across their family, friends, and community,” according to the company

For the first stage of the contest, which is now open, fans can send submissions for consideration through Oct. 2. A campaign video ad promoting the sponsored competition is running on the Sports Illustrated site, featuring a light-hearted look at the Captain Morgan fan training facility.

“There's no question NFL fans are one of the most dedicated fanbases in sports," said Anne Nosko, Captain Morgan vice president, marketing.

Each team will select a Fan of the Year to represent them at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Feb. 11  from the submissions entered -- with the Fan of the Year crowned at the NFL Honors awards ceremony during Super Bowl weekend.

This year, the contest is also expanding with a separate NFL International campaign recognizing the top fan outside the U.S., which will launch in the fall.