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NIU football coach sends epic blunt message on NIL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 3:36 PM ET

Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock has once again found himself in the spotlight. After capturing national attention with the Huskies’ stunning upset over Notre Dame last year, this time his impassioned rant about NIL deals in college football made headlines.

Hammock delivered his thoughts with raw conviction and pulled back the curtain on the growing divide between college programs. The smaller Division I schools like NIU often see their top players lured away by bigger programs offering lucrative NIL packages. To Hammock, the trend undermines the real purpose of college athletics.

Hammock reflected on his own playing career, noting he never earned a dime in college but gained life lessons that have stayed with him far longer than any paycheck could. “The lessons I learned were more valuable than any money you could ever pay me,” he said.

NIU head coach Thomas Hammock gave his thoughts on the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/smlYliArDA
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 14, 2025

Hammock challenged the notion that short-term earnings should outweigh the long-term benefits of an education and personal growth. His tone turned pointed as he questioned the ultimate payoff for many players who leave for NIL promises. He openly wondered how many actually get significant playing time after transferring, and suggested that chasing a “couple dollars” through football alone is misguided.

“If you’re going to college to get a couple dollars, you might as well go get a job,” he added.

Hammock then tied in his five years of NFL coaching experience and the bigger picture of preparing for a life beyond football. He stressed that college is a transition into adulthood, meant to prepare young men for careers, family life, and personal responsibility. His advice extended to parents as well: stop trying to live through your children and focus instead on helping them build skills for long-term success.

“I would do it again for free,” Hammock said firmly. “That’s why I’m standing here today, because of what I learned in college, not because of what somebody gave me.”

While opinions vary on NIL, Hammock’s passionate stumping is a reminder that the college football conversation is about more than just money.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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