Adidas Signs Its First Football NIL Deals

Forbes Business SportsMoney Adidas Signs Its First Football NIL Deals Kristi Dosh Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover the business of sports, with an emphasis on college sports, sport sponsorship, facilities and travel. Following Oct 4, 2023, 06:12pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Michael Penix Jr.

and Rome Odunze Adidas Adidas has signed its first two college football athletes: Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze of the Washington Huskies. “I couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with the Adidas family, I’ve been in the three stripes my entire college career and their support has meant a lot to me.

I’m excited about this unique opportunity to help further the brand and I’m appreciative of their investment in my university, my teammates, and myself,” said Penix Jr. “Adidas has shown that they’re committed to student-athletes across the country and I’m thankful to be a part of their commitment. ” A Heisman Trophy favorite, the Huskies QB Penix Jr.

has 16 touchdowns and 1,999 passing yards in his first five games. Last season, he led in passing years per game (357. 0) and was subsequently named the Associated Press Comeback Players of the Year and placed on the All-Pac-12 Second Team.

WR Odunze led the Pac-12 in receiving yards last season (1,145) and earning a place on the All-Pac-12 First Team. This season, he was named to AP’s Preseason All-America First Team and a flurry of other preseason recognitions. “It’s an honor to be joining the Adidas family as one of the brand’s first football NIL athletes,” said Rome Odunze.

“Adidas is committed to empowering me to shape my brand and my future, and I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of athletes. ” Both athletes will participate in brand marketing campaigns. Adidas has been a partner of the University of Washington since 2019.

Huskies softball star Kinsey Fiedler was the first from the school to join Adidas in 2022. MORE FOR YOU The Best Luxury Gifts To Impress Your Loved Ones Travel Industry Awards Best Business Class Airline Also Offers Great Coach Lounges And Food All athletes at Washington are also able to participate in the brand’s larger NIL network, which launched in July 2022 as a first-of-its-kind program aimed at creating a more equitable future in sports. The Adidas NIL network currently has thousands of active student-athletes representing over 25 sports, including hundreds of athletes from Washington across 14 sports on campus.

“Adidas has quickly shown its commitment to providing the most innovative products and experiences for our athletes. And now, with its leadership in the NIL landscape, we’re excited to see Michael and Rome represent our university as they become Adidas’ first NIL football athletes,” said Jamaal Walton, senior associate AD for sport administration and strategic initiatives at Washington. “Michael and Rome are two of the most promising young athletes in the country right now, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our impressive roster,” said Rupert Campbell, president of Adidas North America.

“The U. S. has the most exciting collegiate fan and student-athlete base in the world, and we’re proud to be doubling down in sports here—including our investment in NIL and university partners to assert our position as the leading sports brand in the college sports space.

” Today’s announcement is just one of several investments by the brand in its university partners and fans this fall. For the first time ever, the Adidas Originals brand entered the collegiate space last month with two lifestyle footwear collections customized for university students and fans through the Rivalry and Forum . The brand was also part of history when the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Women’s Volleyball team broke the attendance record for any women’s sporting event in global history – hosting 92,003 at Memorial Stadium for Volleyball Day in Nebraska .

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