NIL isn't just for college stars anymore. Entering the realm of professional football doesn't mean leaving behind the lucrative endorsement deals.
Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers demonstrated this reality by landing a colossal endorsement early in his career. Just in his first season, Ewers has outdone expectations for any seventh-round draft pick financially.
The buzz broke out on Friday when Ewers announced an exclusive autograph trading-card contract with Panini. Sources familiar with the deal indicate a staggering $3 million arrangement.
Comparatively, this is a significant bonus, especially when looking at his NFL contract. Drafted 231st overall by the Dolphins, Ewers's four-year contract amounts to $4.3 million. His Panini deal alone covers a substantial portion of his pro earnings.
Ewers faced critiques for leaving potential money behind by choosing the draft over possibly transferring to the University of Miami, but his Panini venture already proves this was a sound decision in terms of endorsements. He's already reclaiming 75% of what critics thought he left behind.
