C.J. Stroud gifts Ohio State teammates suits with NIL deal
COLUMBUS, Ohio (BVM) – Every week seems to bring new NIL news but today’s name, image, and likeness moment created quite the video during Ohio State’s midweek football practice.
game day suits courtesy of QB1 💼#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/vW7ZCOzGvt
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 1, 2022
Buckeyes players were on the receiving end of C.J. Stroud’s NIL partnership with retail company Express, as he delivered $500 gift cards for his teammates to get gameday suits. The Ohio State quarterback has partnered with the apparel retailer in the past and was one of his earliest deals from back in April, when he and teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba became brand ambassadors.
“C.J. and Jaxon are two outstanding, influential college athletes from our corporate hometown of Columbus,” Express chief marketing officer Sara Tervo said. “We expect that their authenticity and reliability will appeal to our current customers, as well as draw a new, younger demographic for our brand.”
Stroud has been one of the big winners of the NIL space for collegiate athletes, with a current NIL evaluation of $2.5 million, according to On3. His evaluation currently slots him in second amongst current college football players, landing only behind Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
“I just wanted to do something for the team,” Stroud shared with his teammates. “So, I got everybody $500 gift cards to go to Express. Y’all can get your own suit and make sure you’re looking fly.”
Back in June, Stroud announced a deal with local car dealership Sarchione Auto Gallery, which allows the junior quarterback to drive a new vehicle every 45 days. At the time Stroud had been driving a Mercedes G Wagon valued at $200,000.
As Stroud continues to take advantage of his NIL opportunities, the Buckeyes quarterback is laser-focused on the upcoming season. After a near Heisman-winning campaign last year, Stroud is hoping he can take claim to the trophy in 2022 as Ohio State looks to return to the College Football Playoff. After missing out on the postseason in 2021, the Buckeyes are primed for a bounce-back season, coming in as the No. 2 team in the country in the AP Preseason Poll.
Ohio State will have its hands full against Notre Dame in the team’s first game of the season, but the Buckeyes will at least be able to sport some new threads come Week 1.
