Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt made waves last season after leading the Sun Devils to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. He is also turning heads with his approach to NIL deals. Known for his generous spirit, Leavitt is using his platform to help his teammates while pulling off some creative and amusing marketing campaigns.
Sam Leavitt’s Hilarious Deal with Arby’s
One of Leavitt’s most recent initiatives involved securing NIL deals for his offensive line through a partnership with Arby’s.
Leavitt’s NIL journey has set a new standard for college athletes. Rather than keeping his merchandise royalties, he decided to donate 100% of the income from his deal to the Sun Angel Collective, a NIL sector that manages deals and donations for Arizona State’s athletes.
This move is part of his ongoing commitment to helping his teammates, and the funds will go directly to support the entire team. Leavitt’s approach emphasizes that he views his success as a shared victory with his teammates—not a personal gain.
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Arizona State’s head coach, Kenny Dillingham, praised Leavitt in a statement. He said the quarterback is “not just a special player but also a special person.”
Dillingham also highlighted Leavitt for his selflessness, noting that his willingness to sacrifice for the team will serve as a role model for future ASU athletes. Leavitt’s creative and humorous side also comes into play with his latest campaign.
After hearing about Arby’s “Thighsman Award,” a recognition program aimed at honoring the unsung heroes of football, the offensive linemen, Leavitt decided to get involved. The award, launched by Arby’s with NFL legend Joe Theismann, recognizes linemen’s powerful role in the game.
Leavitt made sure his offensive line was among those nominated, knowing they deserved recognition for their contributions to the team’s success.
“We don’t make the playoffs without our offensive line,” Leavitt said. “These guys bring it every week so that our entire offense can be successful. When I heard about Arby’s program, I reached out to nominate my guys as Thighsman honorees. They power the game every week and deserve to be recognized,” he concluded.
As a result, eight of ASU’s offensive linemen received NIL deals with Arby’s. This included iconic meat-themed hoodies and sweatpants that the players wore during their visit to a local Arby’s.
Sam Leavitt’s High Valuation and Impact
Despite his focus on giving back to his team, Leavitt is no stranger to success. His NIL valuation is currently at $1.5 million, according to On3, thanks to his multiple sponsorships and partnerships. These include deals with Arizona sports bar Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers and car dealership Jones Ford Verde Valley. While Leavitt’s financial worth continues to rise, he has made it clear that he values team success over individual gain.
Leavitt’s initiative has drawn attention beyond his immediate circle. The president of the Sun Angel Collective praised Leavitt’s vision, calling his actions “powerful” and stating that his example will have a lasting impact.
Theismann, who was involved in the Arby’s Thighsman Award, highlighted the importance of recognizing offensive linemen, calling them “the unsung heroes of football.” He humorously added, “Let’s face it, big men need big sandwiches, and Arby’s gets that!”
The inaugural Thighsman Award was presented to Michigan’s Mason Graham, who expressed his love for Arby’s—particularly their roast beef sandwiches. The award and the associated NIL deals for the Arizona State offensive linemen underscore the growing trend of brands reaching out to support athletes in meaningful and creative ways.
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