The most unusual NCAA NIL deals so far

Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Trey Knox (7) catches a touchdown pass against the Missouri Tigers. (Photo by John Bunch/Icon Sportswire)

Dan Halverson

July 12th, 2021

As of July 1, 2021, NCAA athletes are now allowed to make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), thereby allowing them to be compensated for their popularity, marketability, and reputation.

After dealing with a system in which money and benefits were kept as secretive as possible to avoid punishment, it is as if the floodgates have been opened. Dozens of players throughout the nation are now partnering with big and small companies alike in pursuit of extra dollars in their bank account.

Let’s take a look at five of the most unusual NIL deals to be inked so far.

Hercy Miller (Web Apps America)

The first NIL deal to call out is that of Hercy Miller, an incoming Tennessee State basketball player who is the son of famous rapper, Master P. Miller is obviously not a standout in the sport or he would be headed to one of basketball's blue bloods, but his familial relations helped him ink a $2 million dollar deal with Web Apps America.

Name. Image. Likeness - Incoming TSU freshman basketball player Hercy Miller signed a $2 million endorsement deal as a brand ambassador for the tech company Web Apps America. https://t.co/999L4itHPp pic.twitter.com/1pOPq6Q6d0
— WSMV 4 Nashville (@WSMV) July 7, 2021

It will be interesting to see if a player who is likely to receive very little national attention can leverage that into something worthwhile for his new business partner.

Jordan Bohannon (Boomin Iowa Fireworks)

The comedy of Iowa point guard Jordan Bohannon’s deal has worn off now that the fourth of July has passed, but Bohannon began the NIL new world order by signing a deal with Boomin Iowa Fireworks. Although seemingly well past his prime, the 24-year-old Bohannon is still well known in the Hawkeye state, and kicked off the national NIL signing period off with a bang.

Trey Knox (PetSmart)

Arkansas wide receiver Trey Knox has signed a deal with PetSmart to promote the length that the company will go to support pet owners and their pets.

We have our first NCAA dog deal 🚨

Arkansas WR Trey Knox and his Husky, Blue, have inked a deal with PetSmart.

"I've always been proud to be an Arkansas football player, but I'm just as proud to be a dog dad" pic.twitter.com/lta1J6flae
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 1, 2021

The deal, which will prominently feature Knox's beloved Husky Blue, gives the company an opportunity to market to a younger demographic that presumably doesn’t see PetSmart posts showing up on their social media timeline.

Ga’Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry (SkyBox Sports)

Alabama has one of the most recognizable football programs in the nation, so it makes sense that a number of its players have already found a way to get in on the action. One of the most interesting deals so far is belongs to freshman defensive back Ga'Quincy McKinstry, who has partnered with SkyBox Sports on the company's Non-fungible Tokens (NFT). "Kool-Aid" will give away game tickets as part of any purchase.

D’Eriq King (College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving)

Miami quarterback D’Eriq King isn’t exactly known as a bruising football player. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, he is undoubtedly more speed than power. But that didn't stop him from signing a $20,000 deal with College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. He has since launched a podcast, created his own clothing line, and started an NIL marketplace.

Miami QB D'Eriq King now has FOUR sponsorship deals in the first 13 hours of legal NIL monetization:

🔸 College Hunks Moving Company
🔸 The Wharf
🔸 Murphy Auto Group
🔸 Dreamfield pic.twitter.com/BftXV1ISXS
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 1, 2021

King is rehabbing from a torn ACL but is clearly trying to strike while the iron is hot with as many opportunities as he can.

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