Attention, football fans: Your favorite NFL star is about to become your personal DJ on Apple's new streaming music service iTunes Radio.
Pepsi told Mashable on Wednesday that it launched #FanEnough, a series of iTunes Radio stations curated by 16 NFL players. When iTunes Radio became available on Sept. 18, the service debuted with stations featuring such celebrity guest DJs as Katy Perry and Jared Leto. The addition of athletes expands Apple's blossoming guest DJ program.
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is one of the 16 new iTunes DJs. His playlist will include Jay Z, J. Cole, Drake and other artists he listens to pump up.
"It's what I listen to on a daily basis, before a game, when I'm in the car, going home from a victory," Cruz told Mashable ahead of Wednesday's launch.
Cruz hopes his station helps fans feel more connected to football and his team.
"Sharing my music means being that much closer to my fans," he said. "The fans are what keep this sport going. They keep seats filled and the excitement going."
Players curating stations come from both NFL conferences and represent 16 teams:
Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers
Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins
Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins
James Laurinaitis, St. Louis Rams
Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
The #FanEnough stations are part of a larger partnership between Pepsi and iTunes. Last week, the soda giant introduced "Pulse #Now” on iTunes Radio, four stations dedicated to pop, country, Latin and electronic dance music.
Pepsi is among iTunes Radio's early brand partners whose advertisements will appear for non-paying users. Other brands include McDonald's, Nissan and Procter & Gamble.
Before the iTunes Radio partnership, Pepsi's “Are You Fan Enough” campaign created viral NFL-related material, including Victor Cruz's "Victory Sheets."
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