In a gesture that’ll likely be followed by other prominent college athletes, particularly in football, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler announced that he’ll donate some of his NIL revenue to communities and people in need.
Rattler announced the decision on his NIL earnings not long after the NCAA instated an interim NIL policy that’ll allow players to profit off their names, images and likenesses.
You can see from the graphic of Rattler’s statement that he’s unveiled a serpent-like logo in keeping with his surname as an initial push for personal branding. It’s clear some Rattler-themed merchandise will soon be available.
The latest in a long line of Sooners quarterbacks, following No. 1 NFL Draft picks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, not to mention current Philadelphia Eagles starter Jalen Hurts, Rattler was the top QB recruit in the class of 2019, per 247Sports’ composite rankings.
After patiently waiting behind Hurts as a true freshman, Rattler thrived in his first year as a starter in 2020, overcoming a rocky start to eventually throw for 28 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. Oklahoma went 9-2 and won the Big 12 title for the sixth straight season.
That Rattler is willing to donate a share of his NIL money to underserved people and communities speaks to his character and shows that he has the off-field maturity and perspective to complement his incredible on-field abilities.
If he continues on his current trajectory and lives up to his gaudy recruit status, Sooners coach Lincoln Riley could well have another top pick in the draft on his hands in Rattler if the prodigious signal-caller enters the 2022 draft.
What’s great about the NIL decision, though, is that Rattler can already start making money at the college level as he helps bring in millions of dollars for Oklahoma’s athletic department while still being able to help others out.
Because he plays quarterback at such a big school with such a strong track record of offensive success under Riley, it stands to reason Rattler could well become the most profitable college football player in the country in 2021.
To go even further with all this, top-flight recruits like Rattler, in the future, could opt to go somewhere they’re liable to earn playing time as early as possible. That way, they can set themselves up right out of the gates financially, help whomever they want to help sooner and potentially establish groundbreaking, iconic legacies at other programs.
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