In a unique move, Philadelphia Eagles' star running back Saquon Barkley has not only invested in fintech startup Ramp but will also be the face of the company's first-ever Super Bowl commercial, airing on February 9. This unexpected partnership marks a significant milestone for both Barkley and Ramp, shedding light on the NFL star's growing interest in innovative finance solutions.

What's notable about this collaboration is that it was Barkley who took the initiative to reach out to Ramp about investing, rather than the other way around. According to Ramp CEO and co-founder Eric Glyman, Barkley was inspired to explore fintech opportunities after reading Peter Thiel's book, Zero to One. The NFL star's mutual investor friends gave Ramp a strong recommendation, ultimately leading to his investment decision.

In a blog post on Ramp's website, Barkley emphasized the importance of "skin in the game" when it comes to true partnerships. He praised Ramp's ability to empower American businesses to cut costs and achieve higher performance, citing this as the kind of impact he wants to be a part of. This sentiment is reflected in the 15-second Super Bowl ad, which features Barkley buried under a mountain of expense reports – a humorous yet relatable depiction of the challenges Ramp aims to solve.

The ad's rapid production is a testament to the team's efficiency, with conception, shooting, and finishing taking place within just seven days. This swift turnaround is a fitting representation of Ramp's innovative approach to corporate card and expense management, which has earned the company a valuation of $7.65 billion since its founding in 2019.

Barkley's investment in Ramp marks his largest private technology investment to date, according to PitchBook. The NFL star has also backed other startups, including crypto startup Monad Labs, fintech and Y Combinator alum Sequin, and beverage company X2 Performance. This diversified portfolio demonstrates Barkley's growing interest in the tech sector and his willingness to support innovative companies.

The Super Bowl commercial is a strategic move for Ramp, allowing the company to reach a massive audience and raise awareness about its services. As the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, all eyes will be on Barkley – both on and off the field – as he makes his debut as a fintech investor and commercial star.

This partnership serves as a prime example of the increasing intersection of sports, technology, and finance. As athletes and celebrities continue to explore investment opportunities in the tech sector, it will be interesting to see how these collaborations shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.