Kansas State star Keyontae Johnson has a comeback story for the ages.
Just two years removed from suffering cardiac arrest on the basketball court, Johnson is thriving at Kansas State. The senior forward is averaging 18 points and 7.6 rebounds per game and is widely expected to be taken in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Surviving cardiac arrest is incredible, much less playing basketball at an elite level just two years later.
Johnson recently inked a NIL deal with Heartfelt, a company that “provides cardiac screening in order to save lives from preventable tragedies.” This is obviously close to Johnson’s heart after his terrifying ordeal.
“A lot of you might have known that I collapsed in a game on Dec. 12, 2020,” Johnson says in a video announcing the partnership. “But I’m beyond grateful that God gave me a second chance to play the game that I love. I’m not sure if you know, but Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the No. 1 cause of death on a school campus and is the No. 1 killer of student-athletes.”
Johnson goes on to explain that Heartfelt has saved “over 1,000 lives” and urges people to donate to the non-profit if possible.
Johnson is represented by Raymond Representation, who helped facilitate this deal.
The NIL Deal reached out to Michael Raymond to learn more about Johnson’s deal.
“Working on a collaboration like this for Keyontae Johnson is the reason I got into the representation business,” said Raymond. “To help him and his family create something that can last a lifetime and mean so much to him is truly a honor.”
Raymond stressed that Johnson chose this deal not for money, but “to help an incredible foundation like Heartfelt.” Raymond also mentioned that Johnson will be donating future NIL earnings to the foundation.
“This is his story, and millions of others,” Raymond said. “Now he gets to change the narrative.”
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