Not only has the world of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals given college athletes access to a steady stream of income in exchange for their talents. It’s also helped bring teams together.
Case in point: Ohio State football. Star quarterback C.J. Stroud inked a deal to endorse Columbus-based fashion retailer Express back in April.
That deal came with a couple perks. Earlier this week, Stroud cashed in on one of them. The sophomore QB brought everyone together during one of the Buckeyes’ practices. Then, he announced that he was giving each of his teammates a $500 Express gift card ahead of their season opener.
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“I just wanted to do something for the team, so I got everybody $500 gift cards to go to Express and get your own suits,” Stroud said, via Front Office Sports. “Make sure you’re looking fly. Make sure we all look like a team.”
Ohio State QB CJ Stroud is giving each of his teammates $500 gift cards for new game day suits through his NIL deal with Express 👔pic.twitter.com/uXE92Hm5zU
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 1, 2022
Look good, feel good … play better? Who knows. Either way, Stroud’s gesture was surely appreciated by his colleagues. A cursory glance at Express’ website reveals that suits can cost upwards of $450, meaning Stroud’s gift should go a long way in getting his teammates that much-desired drip.
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No. 2 Ohio State opens its season up with a home clash against No. 5 Notre Dame on Saturday. Regardless of the result of the game, one thing seems certain: the Buckeyes will take the field in style.
And for that, they can thank Stroud … and Express.