Now this is what NIL was intended to be. Get compensated for utilizing your name, likeness, and reputation in sponsored endorsements. And that’s precisely what Ohio State standout Jeremiah Smith is doing in his most recent position.
In a This is SportsCenter-style commercial for Battle Sports, a top football-focused company that sells protective gear, apparel, and accessories, Smith plays the role of CEO with plenty of humor. Some of the fun stems from playing catch in the office area, memorable corporate slogans, and, perhaps the finest part, a direct assault on arch-rival Michigan.
The commercial is brimming with puns and one-liners, with a cameo by South Florida junior football great Roderick Louis III, popularly known as Lil Rod. My, how the world of high school and college sports has changed. A video of the creative commercial may be seen below.
Battle Sports is the most recent addition to a long list of sponsors that have collaborated with the Buckeye All-American, including American Eagle, Lululemon, Adidas, Red Bull, Nintendo, and others. According to On3 and Rivals, Smith’s NIL worth is $4. 2 million.
Smith’s output on the pitch will almost certainly open up numerous sponsorship possibilities in the future.
