The NCAA’s long overdue relaxed rules on name, image and likeness opened the door for college athletes to finally make money while in school.
And there’s probably not a more lucrative status in the NIL landscape than “Alabama Starting Quarterback.” No, really.
Alabama’s Bryce Young is making bank before even starting a game for the Crimson Tide.
During Tuesday’s SEC Media Days, Nick Saban told reporters that Young has already approached seven figures in endorsement deals before his first start. It’s a huge number — and great for Young!
But judging from Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s reaction, not many coaches saw a figure like that coming so soon. Kiffin was blown away.
Watch @Lane_Kiffin reaction when he first found out @AlabamaFTBL QB Bryce Young is making close to $1 million off N.I.L. #SECMD21 pic.twitter.com/wLXFUuByaw
— Chris Breece (@ChrisBreece) July 20, 2021
Lane Kiffin’s reaction when informed that Alabama QB Bryce Young has earned nearly one million dollars off his NIL.
Also – my reaction when informed of my total bill at Costco. pic.twitter.com/mzk2wfbWcu
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) July 20, 2021
Kiffin said when asked about Young’s earnings:
“That number just blew me away. So, you didn’t prepare more for that. That’s amazing. You’re gonna make a million dollars and hadn’t started a game yet? Wow. I don’t even know what to respond to that. But great for him. In is neat the players can make money now and profit off of their hard work, basically what everybody else in America gets to do. So, I’m excited about it.”
Later in the press conference, Kiffin brought up Young again! He couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Lane Kiffin blown away by Alabama QB Bryce Young already running up on 7 figures in sponsorship deals
“He don’t need to play next year against us”
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/QsL0mg54Cc
— Ben Murphy WTSP (@BenMurphyTV) July 20, 2021
He said:
“I’m still blown away on this Bryce Young. The guy’s made a million dollars already. That’s good, man. He don’t need to play next year against us then.”
And it’s even more impressive considering that Young hasn’t utilized Instagram for sponsored posts yet. He only has three (!!!) total posts.
This year could get even more lucrative for the sophomore quarterback.
https://youtu.be/pgHz7vbqMWw