Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud partnered with a local car dealership on an NIL deal and now gets to drive around in a $150,000 luxury SUV.
It’s not quite a gold trans-am but C.J. Stroud will definitely be turning heads as he drives around Ohio State’s campus in 2022.
Stroud has partnered with the Sarchione Auto Gallery for an NIL deal that will have him driving around in a pre-owned Bentley Bentayga valued at $150,000, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
And he might not be the only Buckeye enjoying the sweet life when it comes to cars. The dealer expects others to also partner up for a car in exchange for social media promotion and public appearances.
C.J. Stroud will ride around Ohio State football in style this year
Stroud apparently saw Chris Olave, his former Buckeye teammate, driving a BMW X7 before the draft. When he found out it was part of a deal with the gallery, he had his agents reach out for something similar.
This is the new reality of college football. Just a few years ago, cars were one of the biggest culprits involved in NCAA violations. Eric Dickerson’s infamous gold trans-am was just one at the heart of a scandal. Reggie Bush’s NCAA troubles were also partly linked to a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS. Terrell Pryor was also linked to improprieties involving loaner vehicles from car dealerships.
Now, athletes can make money off their Name, Image and Likeness. So dealerships can hook up with stars like Stroud to promote their cars without issue. It’s a welcome change. It’s just a shame it took so long to come about.
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