Nike adds Todd Gurley to long list of top draft prospects they have signed

By Josh Criswell | Apr 17, 2015

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Nike is known for being at the forefront when it comes to teaming up with elite talent for sponsorships, and several of this year’s top NFL Draft prospects have joined their team.

Nike has already signed National Champion quarterback and Heisman winner Jameis Winston, the likely No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, to an endorsement deal, along with several other high-profile prospects who are expected to be first round picks.

That list includes another Heisman winning quarterback in Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, arguably the top wide receiver in the draft in Alabama product Amari Cooper and Melvin Gordon, a top-two running back from Wisconsin who, for a brief time, was a serious Heisman contender last season.

The sports conglomerate added another premier draft prospect to the Nike team this afternoon in Georgia running back Todd Gurley.

Nike has also signed Todd Gurley, along with Winston, Mariota, Cooper & Gordon.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 17, 2015

Gurley, much like Gordon, is an undisputed top-two running back in the upcoming draft that spent some time holding a Heisman campaign of his own. In fact, Gurley was possibly the front runner to win the award before a violation of NCAA rules left him suspended for four games. In his first game back from his suspension, he tore his ACL, putting an end to his impressive collegiate career.

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Despite the injury, Gurley finished the season with nine touchdowns and just under 1,000 rushing yards. Even more impressive was his incredible 7.4 yards per carry average, the ninth best among all FBS players.

Without a doubt, Nike has outclassed its competitors in the endorsement aspect of the draft, with Winston, Gurley and Gordon in particular being potentially huge earners for the company.

With Jameis Winston, there is the obvious allure of the probable top pick in the draft. While a controversial figure due to off-the-field issues, his on-field potential in undeniable. Besides, locking up a top draft pick for your endorsement team is always a smart move.

Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley also have potential to become major earners for Nike, as the Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a running back. The organization’s enormous fanbase and egotistical owner would generate tremendous hype surrounding either player if they were to be drafted by Dallas with the No. 27 pick.

Gurley could be the best grab of the bunch for Nike, and it is not just for the reason listed above. Everybody loves a comeback story, and Gurley is nothing short of that. Just take a look at the success Adidas experienced from their #TheReturn commercial series for proof of this, where they chronicled Derrick Rose’s return from a devastating knee injury.

Gurley provides Nike with an eerily similar storyline, and, as they appear to be in almost every other facet of their company, they are undoubtedly ahead of the curve when it comes to the signings of the newest members to their team.

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