Duck Commander Named Title Sponsor for Independence Bowl

Independence Bowl Foundation officials have made Shreveport-Bossier residents happy, happy, happy. 

Officials from the foundation held a press conference in Shreveport, La. to officially announce the partnership, which outgoing Bowl chairman John Hubbard joked was "north Louisiana's worst-kept secret" following the 1130 The Tiger's Tim Fletcher Show breaking the story days before the scheduled event.

But that didn't stop Hubbard from applauding the new relationship with the West Monroe-based Duck Commander.

"The Independence Bowl is proud Duck Commander has agreed to become our new title sponsor," said John Hubbard, current Bowl chairman. "Their success has been phenomenal. As we both explored this opportunity, it was this national and growing worldwide success could help bring new business relationships to the Independence Bowl and enable us to showcase Louisiana as a Sportsman's Paradise."

Incoming Independence Bowl Chairman Paul Pratt said the group is "thrilled" by the agreement, adding that they're "honored [Duck Commander has] chosen to place 'Independence' back in the bowl's name. That decision was the company's decision, Pratt noted.

In a short video, Duck Commander CEO Willie Robertson appeared to discuss why he wanted to be involved with the Independence Bowl.

"College football is very important to us, both as fans and former players," Robertson said. "The Independence Bowl is what college football is all about: It has great tradition and it's All-America."

The agreement between the Independence Bowl Foundation and Duck Commander will last through 2019. The bowl game's previous title sponsor was AdvoCare, who backed out this year to instead sponsor Houston's Texas Bowl.