Clemson star quarterback Cade Klubnik is proving that legacy outweighs money. Despite acquiring multimillion-dollar NIL agreements, Klubnik is committed to his team and prioritizes legacy over money. His decision to reject a huge NFL deal only strengthens his commitment to Clemson football.
Cade Klubnik on NIL: ‘More Than Just Money, It’s About Legacy’
Klubnik has emerged as a key character in the expanding landscape of NIL deals in college sports. Despite his immense earnings, he insists that his affection for football has never been financially motivated.
After sitting out the D.J. Uiagalelei span, Klubnik now leads the Clemson Tigers. The senior quarterback joined the “Pure Athletes Podcast” to discuss a wide variety of obstacles, notably what it means to be a Tiger.
Klubnik also discussed the financial aspects of his college career.
“I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities throughout my career, but at this point, it’s about more than money,” Klubnik said.
‼️NEW EPISODE NOW STREAMING‼️
We are excited to welcome our first current college athlete to the show, Clemson QB @CadeKlubnikQB
In this episode Cade discusses the transfer portal, his love for @ClemsonFB, facing & overcoming adversity, how much he values his teammates, what… pic.twitter.com/m8zd92zg96
— Pure Athlete (@pureathleteinc) February 12, 2025
The remark shows his dedication to the sport and his team, emphasizing that his sole intent is not money.
Klubnik’s abilities and marketability led to multiple high-profile endorsements:
- Beats by Dre: In August 2023, Klubnik entered the “Beats Elite” class alongside 14 other college football studs.
- Rhoback Activewear: He signed a multi-year contract with Rhoback in August 2023, becoming one of the brand’s key athletes.
- Mercury: In November 2022, he collaborated with Mercury’s ClemsonTigers.io, a digital platform that connects athletes and fans.
With these high-profile sponsorships, Klubnik’s NIL value has climbed. As of early 2025, his On3 NIL valuation is expected to be $3.3 million, ranking him among the best collegiate athletes in terms of marketability and revenue.
“Clemson is where I grew up, where I’ve built my legacy, and where I want to continue making a difference,” Klubnik said. “The NFL will always be there, but I have unfinished business here.”
This level of dedication reveals a lot about his character and commitment.
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In the podcast, Klubnik discussed what head coach Dabo Swinney wants from his players.
Clemson was once at the top of the collegiate football world, having won two championships in three years. Since then, despite the team’s three bowl wins and two CFP participations, Swinney and Klubnik have only one goal in mind: winning a national championship.
As Klubnik continues to lead the Tigers, he is focused on football supremacy and team success. While NIL contracts give financial perks, his unrelenting dedication to the game and his teammates is his enticing force.
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