It’s a new day in college football, as players are able to profit off their name, image and likeness.
Kendall Milton was one of the first Georgia players to announce his plans. Shortly after midnight on Thursday, the running back shared his website which links to apparel that features Milton’s logo.
The sophomore partnered with Nashville-based The Seven Six to help with the merchandise.
Offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer revealed that his plans for a brand were on the way too. Salyer is entering his senior season and could be one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC.
Other Bulldogs, Arian Smith, Adonai Mitchell and Bill Norton, have partnered with the gaming platform Yoke, which allows fans to play video games with athletes.
The endorsement deals aren’t just limited to football players, with some of the biggest early deals going to LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne and Fresno State women’s basketball players Hanna and Haley Cavinder.
Some of the football players for other schools that have taken advantage of the rule change so far include Auburn quarterback Bo Nix and Miami quarterback D’Eriq King.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey put out a statement on the new rules.
“Today is a significant day in college athletics as student-athletes may now market their name, image and likeness (NIL) rights,” the statement said. “The SEC supports our student-athletes in these endeavors, but we remain concerned about the absence of a uniform national standard to govern NIL.”
Sankey called on Congress to step in and act.
“There remains the need for Congressional action to provide student-athletes and athletics programs the clarity and consistency needed to fairly and effectively function in this new environment,” Sankey said. “We look forward to the opportunity for continuing conversations with Congressional leaders on these important issues.”
