Logan Jones, the Chicago Bears' second-round draft pick, is set to earn millions as a professional football player. However, the 24-year-old center from Iowa expressed far more enthusiasm about a different perk: a lifetime supply of ketchup.
'I love it!' Jones exclaimed during a media conference call. 'I'll take as much as I can get ... Let's go ketchup!'
Jones was selected with the 57th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Thanks to a promotion from Heinz 57, he is entitled to an endless supply of the brand's iconic condiment.
This is not the first time Heinz has linked promotions to the number 57. In 1941, during Joe DiMaggio's record 56-game hitting streak, the company offered the Yankees legend $10,000 if he hit safely in a 57th consecutive game. Unfortunately, DiMaggio went hitless on July 17, 1941, in Cleveland, though he did extend his streak to 16 more games afterward.
While Jones will never run out of ketchup, there is a cultural complication: he is moving to Chicago, where putting ketchup on a hot dog is widely considered unacceptable. Locals traditionally load their hot dogs with sweet pickle relish, diced onions, tomatoes, peppers, and salt, but ketchup is a no-go.
One fan commented online: 'Being in Chicago and getting lifetime supply of ketchup is an unfortunate combo.' Another suggested Jones could become a ketchup wholesaler after retiring: 'What's stopping him from just becoming a ketchup wholesaler after he retires?'
Many fans urged Jones to take the number 57 jersey, currently worn by linebacker Jack Sanborn. Jones is not expected to start immediately, as the Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots after Drew Dalman's surprise retirement. However, Jones is an impressive athlete with a sub-5-second 40-yard dash and two All-Big Ten selections, making him a promising prospect.
Coincidentally, this year's NFL Draft was held in Pittsburgh, home to Heinz and the stadium formerly known as Heinz Field.
