Since its existence, the NCAA has always left a bad taste in people’s mouths for making money on the backs of amateur athletes. While scholarships are wonderful, it’s only fair for the country’s premier athletes to use their names, images, and likenesses (NIL) to make extra cash. The most interesting NIL deals for college athletes show that some deals were meant to be.
John Daly II & Hooters
For those who didn’t watch golf before Tiger Woods, John Daly was a popular golfer who won 19 tournaments and two majors while on the PGA Tour. Daly was the favorite of many because he didn’t fit into the box you’d think of for most golfers. He smoked, drank, and crushed the ball 300-plus yards.
John Daly II, his song, decided to capitalize on his dad’s notoriety and affiliation with Hooters to sign a deal with the restaurant.
Spencer Rattler & Raising Canes
Once upon a time, Spencer Rattler was a surefire top-five pick in the NFL draft, making him a hot commodity when NIL deals changed the college football landscape. But after struggling to find his footing as an Oklahoma Sooner, the quarterback headed east to join the South Carolina Gamecocks.
It makes perfect sense that a player with a fighting rooster endorses a chicken restaurant. Raising Canes and Rattler agreed to a deal, giving Rattler a chunk of change to go along with his delicious piece of toast.
Drew Timme & Dollar Shave Club
Before NIL deals emerged, it was rare for any prominent college basketball player to remain enrolled at their school unless they didn’t have professional aspirations. Gonzaga’s Drew Timme falls into the no-NBA-future category, so he might as well capitalize on his brand before his eligibility runs out.
Timme stands out on the basketball court because of his trademark handlebar mustache, and he can’t get that perfectly crafted stache without the help of Dollar Shave Club. The 22-year-old senior forward averages over 20 points on the season, so Dollar Shave Club must be happy with their investment.
Kool-Aid McKinstry & Kool-Aid
Sometimes, the endorsements write themselves, and that’s the case with Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. As one would expect, McKinstry and the beverage company made a deal. McKinstry’s real name is Ga’Quincy, but his grandmother gave him the nickname that’s stuck with him his whole life. We can only hope the walls in the Alabama locker room can prevent a giant pitcher of red Kool-Aid from bursting through the walls.
DeColdest Crawford & SOS Heating and Cooling
The Nebraska Cornhuskers may have their issues on the field, but that didn’t stop SOS Heating and Cooling from inking a deal with one of their standout players. When you think of a quality HVAC system, there isn’t a better pitchman than someone named DeColdest. DeColdest Crawford starred in a commercial for SOS Heating, hyping up their services for everyone in the Lincoln area.
The most interesting NIL deals for college athletes may seem strange. However, it’s great to see that they can finally capitalize on their name, image, and likeness, as the universities have for decades.
