Diageo, Crown Royal and the Cleveland Browns Conclude ‘One Minute with Joe’ Sweepstakes, Inspiring Fans to Plan Ahead and Never Drive Impaired (2.18.26)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Diageo, Crown Royal and the Cleveland Browns Conclude ‘One Minute with Joe’ Sweepstakes, Inspiring Fans to Plan Ahead and Never Drive Impaired
CLEVELAND – [February 18, 2026] – Diageo North America and the Cleveland Browns today announced the successful conclusion of the ‘One Minute with Joe’ Sweepstakes, a fan-focused activation tied to Diageo’s broader ‘Take a Minute, Make a Plan. Never Drive Impaired.’ platform. Designed to meet Browns fans where game-day traditions come to life, the sweepstakes used the power of storytelling, incentives and a beloved Browns legend to encourage fans to pause for one minute and make a plan to get home safely.
Running for three weeks in December – National Impaired Driving Prevention Month — the ‘One Minute with Joe’ Sweepstakes invited fans to commit to making a plan before kickoff for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Cleveland Browns Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. By pairing a simple safety message with an exclusive fan reward, the activation helped reinforce planning ahead as an essential part of the Browns game-day ritual.
The sweepstakes generated strong engagement among the Dawg Pound, with 740 fans affirming they had a plan to never drive impaired on game day. Fans were encouraged to think ahead—whether booking a ride, designating a driver or choosing another safe transportation option—demonstrating how a small moment of intention can lead to safer game days in Northeast Ohio.
“At Diageo, we know that meaningful change starts with small, intentional moments,” said Stephanie Childs, EVP, Corporate Relations at Diageo North America. “By partnering with the Cleveland Browns and Joe Thomas with this sweepstakes, we were able to meet fans in a space they care deeply about and remind them that taking just one minute to make a plan is simply part of being there for your team, your community, and ensuring every game day ends safely.”
The activation culminated with Rachael Jandziszak, who was selected as the grand prize winner and awarded an exclusive experience with Joe Thomas. For Rachael, the sweepstakes served as a reminder that planning ahead doesn’t take long—but it can make a lasting difference.
“Congrats to Rachael who made a commitment to making a plan,” said Browns Hall of Famer, Joe Thomas. “Taking a minute to plan ahead is a simple step that helps make game day safer for everyone. The Browns have the best fans in the NFL and I’m proud to be part of an effort that reminds people that planning ahead is just as important as cheering on the Browns.”
The ‘One Minute with Joe’ Sweepstakes reflects Diageo’s ongoing commitment to addressing the harmful use of alcohol and promoting responsible behavior through its Spirit of Progress ambition. By leveraging the cultural influence of the Browns and the trusted voice of a franchise icon, Diageo continues to help normalize planning ahead as part of every game-day celebration.
Fans can continue to learn more about making a plan and accessing resources at www.TakeAMinuteNow.com.
About DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by the King and Queen of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal’s smooth and elegant flavor was an exceptionally generous gift fit for royalty. Its gift-worthy presentation reflects its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by the King and Queen of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal’s smooth and elegant flavor was an exceptionally generous gift fit for royalty. Its gift-worthy presentation reflects its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.
About NFL
The National Football League is America’s most popular sports league, comprised of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Founded in 1920, the NFL developed the model for the successful modern sports league, including national and international distribution, extensive revenue sharing, competitive excellence, and strong franchises across the country.
The National Football League is America’s most popular sports league, comprised of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Founded in 1920, the NFL developed the model for the successful modern sports league, including national and international distribution, extensive revenue sharing, competitive excellence, and strong franchises across the country.
About MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.