Landon Buford
The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has opened up new possibilities for college athletes to monetize their brand and capitalize on their popularity. With the recent changes in NCAA rules, athletes can now profit from their fame and partnerships with companies while still in college. One athlete who undoubtedly would have thrived under the new NIL regulations is former Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
Johnny “Football” Manziel took the college football world by storm during his time with the Texas A&M Aggies. His electrifying playing style, infectious energy, and larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite and a bonafide superstar. Had NIL opportunities been available during his time at Texas A&M, Manziel would have undoubtedly been a highly sought-after partner for various companies looking to tap into his immense popularity.
“That’s a good question. I always think back at the NIL especially right now, all these college kids are making some real bread,” said Manziel.
“If had an opportunity to make money in college like that, I probably wouldn’t have went to the NFL. I probably would have made some money, retired, and bought a farm somewhere or some s*** I don’t know.”
There is no denying that Johnny Manziel’s popularity and appeal during his time at Texas A&M would have made him a highly sought-after brand ambassador under the current NIL rules. As college athletes continue to explore and embrace new opportunities in the NIL era, Manziel’s legacy as a trailblazing figure in college football remains a reminder of the potential for athletes to leverage their brand and make a significant impact both on and off the field.
