Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Austin Ekeler Joins the SteelSeries Family

CHICAGO – JULY 27, 2021 – SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, today welcomes Los Angeles Chargers running back and Gridiron Gaming Group (GGG) co-founder Austin Ekeler to its family. As the world’s original esports brand invests deeper in the esports and gaming ecosystems it helped to create, Ekeler becomes the first NFL athlete to serve as an ambassador for SteelSeries while the company continues to expand into the lifestyle space, sports, and cross-over categories.

“It’s no secret my passion for gaming and esports runs deep, so I am honored to become the first pro sports athlete to serve as an ambassador and join the SteelSeries family,” said Ekeler. “SteelSeries is celebrating their 20th anniversary as the original esports brand and they continue to lead the way by pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, so I jumped at the opportunity to align and collaborate with them as I continue to build my brand across sports and culture.”

A regular streamer on Twitch, Ekeler will play a strategic role in promoting the new Prime franchise across marketing and publicity campaigns for the next year. The Prime line of products have been co-developed in collaboration with esports pros, for pros, to win championships. Ekeler joins an elite group of teams and brands that represent SteelSeries including FaZe Clan, Red Bull, OG, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team, SpaceStation, and more.

“Austin’s authentic passion for gaming and commitment to elite performance – on and off the field -- were driving forces to welcome him to the family and become our first NFL ambassador,” said Tony Trubridge, Global Esports Director at SteelSeries. “There’s a natural synergy here, as we create the best products for the best athletes, whether on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or on the field. Gaming and esports have exploded into a cultural movement across sports, entertainment, music, art, and apparel and it’s going to be incredible to see Austin become a powerful voice for SteelSeries as we continue to build on our 20 years of innovation and pedigree as the original esports brand.”

As part of the partnership, SteelSeries will provide the new Prime line of ultra-competitive gear to Gridiron Gaming Group which was co-founded by Ekeler in 2020. GGG helps athletes build their gaming and streaming platform by giving them the tools needed to be successful gamers, including tech setup, streaming coaching, creative consulting, follower growth, and sponsored event activations. GGG athletes include Avonte Maddox, Mike Williams, Trent Sieg, Bryce Huff, Justin Jones, Boston Scott, Conor Daly, Tommy Kahnle, and Allisha Gray.

With input and feedback from 100+ of the world’s leading competitive professional players, the Prime franchise was meticulously designed with a single goal in mind: victory. Inspired by the rally car, Prime introduced a lineup of lightweight, streamlined mice and a new Arctis headset that features only the best-in-class technology and innovation. It offers all performance with distractions that can get in the way. Gamers can choose from three options based on their style of play: Prime, Prime+, and Prime Wireless. Additionally, SteelSeries is creating the Prime Cup this fall, an all-new PUBG tournament featuring top pros from the SteelSeries family and will be broadcast on Twitch.TV/SteelSeries.

To learn more about Gridiron Gaming Group, visit gridirongaminggroup.com and join the conversation with Austin on his Twitch page, Instagramand Twitter.

For images of Austin Ekeler x SteelSeries: https://steelseries.box.com/v/Austin-Ekeler-x-SteelSeries

About SteelSeries

SteelSeries is the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals focused on premium quality, innovation, and functionality. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries improves performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that enable gamers to play harder, train longer, and rise to the challenge. SteelSeries is the pioneering supporter of esports and competitive gaming tournaments, connecting gamers and fostering a sense of community and purpose. SteelSeries’ family of professional and gaming enthusiasts are the driving force behind the company and help influence, design, and craft every single accessory and the brand’s software ecosystem, SteelSeries GG. In 2020, SteelSeries acquired KontrolFreek, the industry leader in high-performance controller accessories, and Nahimic, the leader in 3D sound solutions for gaming. To learn more about SteelSeries, visit SteelSeries.com and join the conversation at @SteelSeries.

Media Contacts:

Paul Murphy
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