AuthorDerek Cox, MBA, NFL Archives
November 2022
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In 2013, Ex-Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M football team was suspended for the first half in the season opener. He violated an NCAA bylaw prohibiting student-athletes from using their name, image, and likeness for monetary/commercial purposes. At the time, there was no actual evidence to find him guilty of the claim. However, almost 8 years later, Johnny admits to being paid for his autograph after he won the Heisman (2012). His confession came during an interview on Barstool Sports’ “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast. Johnny shares stories about a guy paying him $3,000 for him to autograph merchandise and another guy paying him $30,000 to autograph merchandise. Johnny mentioned how he had only $65 in his bank account when the first guy came to him offering $3,000, and he was more than happy to jump on the opportunity. At the time, this was a severe NCAA violation that could result in loss of scholarship/eligibility. However, with no substantial evidence to incriminate Johnny, he escaped with essentially a slap on the wrist. Not all athletes will be able to net $33,000 from signing autographs, but it highlights what is possible. In a player’s bio on social media, it’s advantageous to leave a personal email address for business inquiries or an email address of a business manager. Be deliberate and intentional about getting photos and videos of the first future autograph signing. This will help market and promote additional autograph signings with businesses later. Remember, there is strength in numbers. If a player is not a big name, that player may need to proposition bringing more than one player to an autograph signing with a business. For example, a player may arrange for the entire wide receiver core to attend the autograph signing with a business. The volume and mix of players may be a more attractive offer for the business.
It's also important to remember that the rank of a group of members on a team can create demand for an autograph signing. For example, the 5th year seniors or the captains may be a group of players that hold significant value for a business to bring in for an autograph signing. The incoming freshman class could also be a group that generates significant demand. There’s excitement surrounding incoming freshman. If positioned properly, this could be a fun way to get the autographs of a college’s stars before they become stars. This could fit well with the grand opening of a business or a business that prides itself on creating new beginnings (health clinic). For example, as a bonus treat for its employees, a health clinic hosting an employee appreciation event may include an autograph signing by the incoming freshman class. The marketing could read, “Our health clinic produces new beginnings just like the Jaguars football team's freshman class!” Don’t let the value of your name go to waste. Capture all the monetary value surrounding your name and your teammates names. For your name to have value, what you do on the field matters first and foremost. However, it’s equally important to protect the value of your name by what you do off the field. Have a clean name with no stains on your record in the public’s eye. Let no one be able to hold your name in disdain due to an off the field mistake. Battle well, Derek
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