[January 26, 2015]

American Family Insurance Partners with Athletes Kevin Durant and J.J. Watt as New Brand Ambassadors

American Family Insurance announced today it has signed two new brand ambassadors to help inspire consumers to pursue and achieve their dreams: Kevin Durant, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and J.J. Watt, three-time Pro Bowl player with the Houston Texans.

"American Family's commitment to champion and protect our customers' dreams is strong and evolving," said Telisa Yancy, marketing vice president for American Family. "As part of that evolution, we seek out different ambassadors whose experiences and values can help motivate consumers to dream and go after those dreams fearlessly.

"Kevin and J.J. have distinctive stories that transcend sports," she said. "They epitomize what American Family and our customers believe in, devoting extraordinary effort, taking risks and conquering the odds to realize their dreams and, in the process, supporting and helping others."

"I have been fortunate enough to achieve many of my dreams both on and off the court," Durant said. "It's important to me to inspire others to pursue and achieve their dreams, and I'm honored to work with American Family in its efforts to do the same."

"American Family is a company I am very familiar with from my days growing up in Wisconsin, and I am excited to have this opportunity with them," Watt said. "I share American Family's belief in dreamers, and I am grateful for its support of the Justin J. Watt Foundation as we work to help young kids along the journey to accomplish their dreams."

About Kevin Durant

Durant is the first NBA player to sign on as an American Family brand ambassador. One of the most popular players in the league, Durant is the reigning NBA MVP and has won four NBA scoring titles, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, and an Olympic gold medal. He has also been selected to five All-NBA teamsand five All-Star teams.

He grew up near the nation's capital and was a heavily recruited high school prospect. He attended the University of Texas for one season of college basketball, where he won numerous year-end awards and became the first-ever freshman named Naismith College Player of the Year.

Off the court, Durant is known for his commitment to various nonprofit groups in his community and across the country. He has established the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation with a mission to enrich the lives of at-risk youth from low-income backgrounds through educational, athletic and social programs.

In 2013, he pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross for victims of the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado. His generosity inspired the Thunder to match his donation.

About J.J. Watt

This year, Watt became the first player in NFL history to have 20 or more sacks in separate seasons. He also finished the season with a career-high five fumble recoveries and five touchdowns. He was unanimously named to the 2014 All-Pro First Team as a defensive end and named to the All-Pro second team as a defensive tackle.

A Wisconsin native, Watt started his college football career at Central Michigan University. He transferred to the University of Wisconsin as a walk-on in 2008, becoming an All-American, All-Big Ten and All Academic Big-Ten defensive end.

Watt is president and founder of the Justin J. Watt Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing after-school opportunities for children so they can get involved in athletics in a safe environment. He is also a nominee for the NFL's Salute to Service Award that honors a coach, player or owner for supporting the country's service men and women. The award recipient will be announced at the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoenix.

About American Family Insurance

Madison, Wis. based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 373rd on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter (News - Alert): www.twitter.com/amfam. Google (News - Alert)+ plus.google.com/+amfam.

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