Cincinnati’s Dontay Corleone introduces ‘Godfather Burger’ in NIL partnership

In an irresistible proposition, Dontay Corleone is captivating fans with a groundbreaking name, image and likeness partnership.

Corleone, an accomplished defensive tackle donning the Cincinnati Bearcats uniform, has unveiled a collaboration with the esteemed sports bar, Bucketheads, called the “Godfather Burger.”

Situated on Harrison Avenue near I-74 and I-275 in the west side of Cincinnati, Bucketheads now offers this delectable creation. The burger boasts a generous serving of BBQ beef brisket, complemented by American cheese and crowned with a savory onion ring, all nestled within a bun.

Paying homage to Corleone’s cherished nickname, the “Godfather Burger” generates a commendable contribution of $2 from each sale, honoring the upcoming introduction of his coveted “No. 2” jersey this fall.

“When I committed here, the fans gave (the nickname) to me, and then I just ran with it,” expressed Corleone, appreciating the origin of his moniker.

This NIL partnership is an integral part of Cincy Reigns, UC’s collective platform that empowers student-athletes to capitalize on their personal brands while actively supporting Cincinnati’s charitable endeavors.

“This venture strengthens links among local businesses, our sports stars and the Cincinnati community, which is the heart of our mission,,” stated Brian Fox, board chair at Cincy Reigns, underscoring the initiative’s significance.

Corleone humbly conveyed his honor in participating in this collaborative venture, stating, “This is a dream come true. I’m honored and blessed and privileged to wake up every day and be a Bearcat.”

The unveiling of this NIL partnership coincides with UC’s recent entry into the esteemed Big 12 conference and the launch of Cincy Light Lager in collaboration with Rhinegeist, a refreshing beer also available at Bucketheads.

Having graduated from Colerain High School, Corleone’s exceptional performance during the 2022 season earned him the distinction of Associated Press third-team All-American. With 45 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss, this redshirt sophomore now finds himself among the select group of sophomores on this year’s preseason All-American team.

“I take pride in that,” shared Corleone in reference to his accolades. “You know I work very hard but I don’t really look into that stuff. You know I work hard for my team to provide for them and step up to be a leader this year for my guys. I’m going to take that role this year.”

Corleone’s extraordinary journey exemplifies the spirit of dedication and excellence that continues to inspire the UC Bearcats community.