Adidas has expanded its roster of name, image and likeness (NIL) athletes with the signing of its first two college football players: Washington Huskies stars Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze.
“Michael and Rome are two of the most promising young athletes in the country right now, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our impressive roster,” Adidas North America president Rupert Campbell said in a statement. “The U.S. has the most exciting collegiate fan and student-athlete base in the world, and we’re proud to be doubling down in sports here — including our investment in NIL and university partners to assert our position as the leading sports brand in the college sports space.”
Quarterback Penix Jr., a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, is a highly decorated athlete. For instance, the athlete — who transferred to Washington in December 2021 from Indiana — was named 2022 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year. While at Indiana, he suffered season-ending injuries in each season. This season, he leads all of college football in passing yards (1,999), has thrown for the second most touchdowns (16) and is top 10 in completion percentage (74.7 percent).
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“I couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with the Adidas family, I’ve been in the three stripes my entire college career and their support has meant a lot to me. I’m excited about this unique opportunity to help further the brand and I’m appreciative of their investment in my university, my teammates and myself,” Penix Jr. said in a statement. “Adidas has shown that they’re committed to student-athletes across the country and I’m thankful to be a part of their commitment.”
As for Odunze, the standout wide receiver — who was named All-Pac-12 First Team in 2022 — is currently third in the country in receiving yards (608), top 20 in receptions (32) and top 30 in touchdowns (4).
“It’s an honor to be joining the Adidas family as one of the brand’s first football NIL athletes,” Odunze said in a statement. “Adidas is committed to empowering me to shape my brand and my future, and I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
Adidas confirmed both Penix Jr. and Odunze will participate in brand marketing campaigns.
Although Penix Jr. and Odunze are the newest NIL signings to play for Washington — a school the brand has had a partnership with since 2019 — they’re not the first. In July 2022, Adidas signed softball star Kinsey Fielder to its athlete roster. Fielder was part of the class of 15 women collegiate athletes announced at the same time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the law that prohibits sex discrimination in any academic or athletic program in a school that receives federal financial assistance.
“Adidas has quickly shown its commitment to providing the most innovative products and experiences for our athletes. And now, with its leadership in the NIL landscape, we’re excited to see Michael and Rome represent our university as they become Adidas’ first NIL football athletes,” Jamaal Walton, University of Washington senior Associate AD for sport administration and strategic initiatives, said in a statement.
