One of the big drawbacks for Michigan football compared to some other big-name schools has been the athletic department’s backing of name, image and likeness. Earlier in 2023, the Wolverines started changing their tune rather than letting the chips fall where they may, with the summer’s M-Power initiative moving the maize and blue into uncharted territory.
Now head coach Jim Harbaugh is getting fully behind one particular collective.
The university hasn’t galvanized behind one, though there are several out there. However, on Tuesday, Harbaugh publicly endorsed Champions Circle, which is the collective run by Valiant — Jared Wangler’s company.
Michigan Faithful! The time is now to support our student-athletes in their pursuit of championships. Champions Circle™ empowers all student-athletes to be the leaders and best through NIL. Support today at https://t.co/3RQ31j4uLD pic.twitter.com/9eO3thrZeH
— Champions Circle (@ChampCircleUofM) July 25, 2023
Full release
J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach, Jim Harbaugh, publicly endorses Champions CircleTM NIL collective as a trusted partner in the pursuit of championships at Michigan in the new era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness).
Jim Harbaugh said, “Champions CircleTM & Valiant Management Group embody the core values of our program by providing NIL opportunities for our student-athletes. I consider them to be a trusted agent and encourage our Michigan Family to support them in their NIL efforts.”
In his public endorsement video, coach Harbaugh says, “I encourage ALL of you to contribute to Champions CircleTM which provides direct support to our dedicated student-athletes to ensure that they are Victors in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field.”
Champions CircleTM Co-Founder, CEO of Valiant Management Group, and Michigan Football alum Jared Wangler said, “We believe strongly that it is important to reward University of Michigan student-athletes for the value they bring to the university, but in keeping with Michigan traditions, it is also important to help the athletes develop the personal, leadership and financial skills to succeed far into the future. Our coaches recruit the right student-athletes to the University of Michigan, and the Champions CircleTM will support their efforts by rewarding sustained educational achievement and personal development. Whether you’re a student, alum or fan, it’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine. This is your opportunity to make an impact on student-athletes and help Michigan win championships across all sports.”
ABOUT CHAMPIONS CIRCLETM – Founded in 2022, Champions CircleTM is a community of fans, alumni, and supporters whose goal is empowering all University of Michigan student-athletes to be the leaders and best through name, image, and likeness.
Champions CircleTM is committed to operating within the NCAA and university guidelines to ensure Michigan remains at the forefront of college athletics. Champions CircleTM partners with Valiant Management Group (VMG) to produce NIL events, curate NIL-related experiences, and assist with fundraising and marketing activities.
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