/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59572125/Screen_Shot_2018_04_29_at_11.14.30_PM.0.png)
When the Bengals traded the No. 46 and No. 100 picks in the NFL Draft to the Chiefs, they got in return pick Nos. 54 and 78.
But pick No. 78 in this year’s draft was no ordinary pick. The 14th pick in the third round (3.14) was the recipient of free Pizza Hut pizza for a year. Why? Because 3.14 is pi!
Pizza Hut is a new sponsor for the NFL and this is a new promotion as part of that sponsorship.
To celebrate Jefferson’s addition to the Bengals as the 78th overall pick, Pizza Hut threw a pizza party in Cincinnati with Jefferson in attendance.
Cool to meet the @pizzahut team and CINCY fans today. Proud to be first Pizza Hut Pi Pick! pic.twitter.com/thpygJ5EC0
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) April 29, 2018
The party didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts. Well, actually, it got delayed a few times. It was initially scheduled for Saturday afternoon but obligations with the Bengals got in the way. Of course, the Texas linebacker had to attend to his Bengals duties before the party.
It was then rescheduled for Sunday morning, which worked out well as it served as the first of many Sundays that Jefferson will be spending with the Cincinnati community.
My bad Cinci fans! I’ll be stopping by @pizzahut to give away FREE PIZZA at 11 am tomorrow. First of many Sundays we’ll be spending together! Come see me at 4432 Montgomery Rd., Cinci. #PizzaHutHut
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) April 29, 2018
We're pumped to have you as our first ever Pi Pick. Welcome to the Pizza Hut fam!
— Pizza Hut (@pizzahut) April 29, 2018
Jefferson is (somewhat hilariously given the circumstances) gluten free, but Pizza Hut does sell gluten free pizza (at 2,100 of its locations, according to the website), so the Cincinnati location better load up on some gluten-free dough for the Bengals rookie linebacker.
Malik Jefferson was happy to learn that he now gets free pizza for a year for being the 3.14 pick, which I did a terrible job of explaining to him. But also said he's gluten free, so, hopefully Pizza Hut has some options.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) April 28, 2018
UPDATE: As of September 11, Jefferson is out of free pizza. Though the sponsorship was supposed to be enough pizza to last a year, Jefferson didn’t even get six months worth of pizza before it all ran out.
Enjoyed chatting with Bengals rookie @malikjefferson I agree with his favorite movie (even if the other teammates gave him a hard time ) and if you’re wondering what happened to all his free pizza... pic.twitter.com/B9htmjCsl5
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) September 11, 2018
Hey Pizza Hut, what’s the deal?! Free pizza for a year, is free pizza for a year... Not less than six months!