In the modern era of college football, stars can accumulate more than just awards and accolades. They also land endorsement deals through the name, image, and likeness ruling enforced by the Supreme Court in 2021.
With Travis Hunter, the two-way standout from Colorado, there are plenty of opportunities to capitalize on the NIL market. Let’s take a look at Hunter’s NIL deals, including a recent agreement with United Airlines.
Colorado Standout Travis Hunter Signs NIL Deal With United Airlines
After an impressive performance in the Buffaloes’ season-opener, it’s fair to say that Colorado two-way standout Hunter is flying high. Aptly, his latest NIL deal partners the eye-catching athlete with United Airlines.
Although terms of his partnership were not disclosed — as is often the case with NIL deals — Hunter will be featured in advertising for the airline, and will promote United Airlines in social media posts, like the one below where the Colorado cornerback/wide receiver is seen working multiple roles in an airport.
Just a reminder that @travishunterjr can play whatever position is needed. ✈️🏈
This season, we’ve added more flights to get you to your favorite team’s games.#CollegeFootball #CFB
🔗 https://t.co/OnRAXqpv5W pic.twitter.com/rIrfBGtSVS
— United Airlines (@united) September 5, 2024
What NIL Deals Does Hunter Have?
One of the most valuable players in this current era of NIL, Hunter has a plethora of unique deals. Prior to his signing with United Airlines, he inked a partnership with CELSIUS.
Hunter is one of the few players in the modern era of college football to play regular time on both sides of the ball, so it makes sense to partner with CELSIUS, “the premium, lifestyle energy drink formulated to help individuals LIVE FIT,” according to the company’s press release announcing their collaboration.
Hunter is one of six standout college football players selected to represent the brand in 2024. The list includes Hunter, quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), DJ Uiagalelei (Florida State), running back Donovan Edwards (Michigan), and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State).
The group was selected based on being standout players from top programs across the country, per the release from CELSIUS, and was collectively called the ESSENTIAL Six. CELSIUS had the following to say about the fit:
“These athletes, known for their exceptional performance on the field and their dedication to fitness and wellness off the field, perfectly embody the CELSIUS principles of living fit.”
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Of the six athletes to participate in the program, Hunter is the only player who will return for another year with the brand, continuing a partnership that began last season.
The selection of six athletes from the college football ranks is part of the energy drink’s new “Essential Six” marketing campaign and will feature a series of commercials and social media content that showcases each athlete and how CELSIUS plays a role in their daily routines.
Beyond CELSIUS, Hunter has also found other endorsement deals since his time at Colorado, one of the most prominent being featured as a cover athlete on EA Sports’ College Football 25 video game. Hunter was part of a trifecta of athletes, including Quinn Ewers of Texas and Edwards of Michigan, to be selected as cover athletes.
While exact figures for the deal were not readily available, there has been speculation that the cover athletes earned north of $200,000 to appear in the game, a significant jump from the $600 that was paid out to every player as part of the EA Sports deal.
Hunter’s overall NIL valuation, according to On3, sits at $2.7 million, which lands him second behind teammate Shedeur Sanders on the NIL Top 100.
Hunter also announced a deal with Squishmallows last November, as he often streams on Twitch, the social media platform, and prominently displays his collection of plush stuffed animals in pillow form during his streams.
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