It was only a matter of time before the biggest brand in sports got in on the college football NIL business and that time has finally come – with one of the biggest names in college football right now.
According to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has signed an NIL deal with Nike. The deal makes him the first college football player in history to sign a deal with the iconic sports apparel brand.
Per the report, it is a footwear and apparel deal with the brand. His father, Colorado head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, already has his own Nike signature cleats.
NEWS: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has signed an NIL deal with Nike.
(via @usnikefootball)https://t.co/6G4LoDyrwu pic.twitter.com/72ZAXos05f
— On3 (@On3sports) August 28, 2024
“Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become the first college football player to sign an NIL deal with Nike,” Nakos wrote.
“He follows in the footsteps of his father, Deion Sanders, who has signature Nike cleats. Shedeur Sanders finished his first season at Colorado with throwing for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also threw just three interceptions despite being sacked 52 times in 2023.
“Full terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the quarterback signed a footwear and apparel deal with Nike. Because Colorado is a Nike school, Sanders could hypothetically wear any unique Nike apparel or cleats in-game.”
As a junior in 2023, Sanders threw for over 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He is widely seen as a Heisman Trophy contender this year despite his team struggling mightily last season.
But if Sanders plays even better this year, not only will the Heisman be in his line of sight, but a very high position in the 2025 NFL Draft next year.
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