David Reese, Florida LB, signs NIL deal with Reese’s candy
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (BVM) – The phrase “the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back” has been uttered in countless locker rooms across all levels of sports for decades. While that is true when it comes to playing in games, for University of Florida redshirt junior linebacker David Reese, it was his last name that helped him land an NIL deal with a national brand.
On Thursday, Reese’s, the peanut butter chocolate cup brand under the Hershey’s company umbrella, announced name, image and likeness (NIL) deals with college football players through its “Reese’s University” campaign. The catch? Each of the 12 gridiron stars have the last name Reese. The Gators linebacker was among this exclusive group.
“If anyone knows what snack in college football is the best, it’s going to be this team of athletes and it’s going to be Reese’s Footballs,” Reese’s athletic director PB Letterman said in a press release. “Like I always say, the name on the front of the jersey is very important, but the name on the back can be great too.”
The deal for players includes Reese’s footballs, a unique shape of the snack especially produced for football season, and cups for the campaign. The athletes will also get exclusive Reese’s gear that includes a Reese’s gold chain and pendant, a custom-tailored blaze orange Team Reese travel blazer, a pair of custom cufflinks in the iconic cup shape and a mini fridge custom-made to fit into a locker.
For Reese, the deal makes perfect sense. Reese is among the top 1,000 college athletes in NIL valuation according to On3.com. This is due in large part to a solid social media following for the linebacker as he has 15,600 followers across Instagram, TikTok and Twitter with his Instagram having 11,200 followers on its own.
So far this season, Reese has seen action in all five of the Gators’ games, recording two tackles. The Gators currently sit at 3-2 and will face off against the University of Missouri for Homecoming on Saturday.
While the name on the back of the jersey should never outweigh the importance of the name on the front, Reese should feel fortunate to have such a profitable surname. With a deal now in hand, Reese will get some pieces to help build the Reese’s brand.
