AJ Vaynerchuk and VaynerSports announced that they have signed sophomore quarterback DJ Uiagalelei from Clemson University to their NIL roster of athletes. Per sources, DJ Uiagalelei is the first athlete signed to the Vaynersports NIL roster.
In a post on his Instagram, insider and analyst for ESPN, Jordan Schultz, examined the signing. Schultz says “D.J will instantly command top dollar from blue-chip endorsement deals. An added bonus: Uiagalelei is set to become just a true sophomore at Clemson-meaning he will be able to earn additional income over the next two years before turning pro”. According to draft experts, DJ Uiagalelei is the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The combination of brand power behind VaynerSports and the on-the-field winning tradition at Clemson could prove to bring great opportunities for DJ Uiagalelei.
However, DJ Uiagalelei wasn’t the only quarterback to make waves with the college athletics NIL decision. University of Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler signed with Chris Cabott of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment. Steinberg Sports and Entertainment is the same agency that represents NFL players such as Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Denver wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Rattler, the projected No.1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had 3,031 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes in 2020 for the Sooners.