Bryce Young: NIL Celebrity, Serious NFL Prospect, or Both?

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach takes a look at what 2023 NFL Draft prospect Bryce Young has been up to off the field.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback and anticipated draft pick, Bryce Young is not only making a name for himself in the world of football, but also, in the world of advertising and media. 

Since the NCAA rule regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) changed in 2021, the world of college sports has changed immensely. Now, college athletic careers involve network marketing, social media, and maintaining a positive public image.

In 2021, Young became the first University of Alabama quarterback to receive the Heisman Trophy. He is the fourth athlete to do so in the school’s history.

The 21 year-old has forgone his senior season of football, but has clearly taken advantage of his extra time. In the scope of nine months throughout 2022, Young secured at least five NIL deals. These deals are estimated to have made $3.2 million in NIL promotions since the rule change. Young has also currently racked up 294,000 followers on Instagram, and he receives over $28,000 for every social media post endorsing a brand. 

Which brands did this rising star partner with throughout 2022?

Nissan

Nissan’s “Heisman House” ad campaign returned for a 12th time in September starring Young, alongside past Heisman winners, Tim Tebow, Kyler Murray, Barry Sanders, Devonta Smith, Baker Mayfield, and more. 

Game Day | 2022 Nissan Heisman House

The NFL prospect has also taken part in several promotional clips with Nissan’s New Frontiers project. The program supports athletes in their athletic careers, as well as the entrepreneurial endeavors while building meaningful personal brands. 

Dr. Pepper

Young brought out his ability to act for this brand deal in August. The endorsement included a commercial featuring a college student coming home to his family. However, the student realizes his parents have replaced him as a son with “star quarterback, Bryce Young.”

“I didn’t have any acting lessons, but I definitely felt like I should have,” Young stated to For the Win. “There was a great cast, great crew. So, just being able to watch them, it was a little intimidating. But I had fun with it.” 

Beats by Dre

Most of the specific terms of this deal are undisclosed to the public. However, Young posted on Twitter and Instagram wearing custom Crimson Tide Beats by Dre in September. In addition to the post, videos were released by Young’s teammates showing he had arranged for each of them to receive a pair of Beats as part of the deal. Teammate, Malachi Moore’s reaction can be seen here on Twitter.

BMW

Young announced he was partnering with BMW of Tuscaloosa by posting on his Instagram story in March. The post features Young in front of the dealership. It’s a dealership which is known for promoting Alabama’s athletes, such as teammate Will Anderson Jr.

Dollar Shave Club

Finally, in August, Young posted on Instagram revealing his partnership with Dollar Shave Club, stating, “After a long summer of training, I’m getting back in the game with a noticeably smooth shave thanks @dollarshaveclub.”

In addition to his post, fans were lucky enough to receive some advice regarding shaving from the star quarterback.

“I start by using their Shave Butter, which goes on transparently and is suitable for sensitive skin,” Young explained. “Then use the 6-Blade Razor with a flexible head and built-in precision trimmer to achieve the closest shave possible.”

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.