Denzel Burke and the Best Buckeyes’ Deal Yet

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach takes a look at what’s been happening with Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke off the field.

College athletes are taking advantage of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals everywhere. From commercials to appearances and social media posts, players are making their names well-known by everyone. 

Now, Denzel Burke, the defensive back from Ohio is joining these athletes.

Companies are catching on that the best deals to make are those with multiple athletes at once. Each player has their own fan base, so collaborating with several at a time brings in more business, especially if these players are popular in the world of football.

Not to mention, the attention benefits the athletes as well.

So how did Denzel Burke, a cornerback from Scottsdale, Arizona get in on the biggest deal in Buckeyes’ history?

The Ohio State athlete has surely proved himself in the last year, and he has been climbing the ranks of anticipated 2024 Draft prospects. However, at the time of the deal, he wasn’t as high profile. 

Who else was part of the collaboration?

Burke was joined by quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back TreVeyon Henderson. All teammates from Ohio State, Stroud and Smith-Njigba were selected in this past draft. Henderson and Burke are eligible for next year’s.

Stroud was the second pick overall (HOU) and a Heisman Trophy finalist. Smith-Njigba was also picked in the first round (SEA). TreVeyon Henderson was the top running back in the 2021 recruiting class. At the time the deal was secured, Burke was just a sophomore. He had been ranked as the No. 221 recruiting prospect per 247 Sports’ composite.

“I’m glad that a big national company such as American Eagle wants to step outside of the box, Denzel is an amazing athlete. He did get freshman All-American. He didn’t have one touchdown scored on him,” Zach Beebe, founder of NIL Management stated according to Cleveland.com.

“Sometimes defense gets the short end of the stick, but it really attests to not only the company but us wanting to throw a bone to our other clients that deserve it. Denzel, we believe, will be one of the top (NFL) draft picks as well and have an amazing season.”

Who helped secure the deal?

American Eagle and Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). These two stores are all owned by Schottenstein Stores. The deal was secured with the help of NIL Management and THE Foundation. 

THE Foundation was also created by the Schottenstein family. The non-profit collective’s mission is to “help promote worthy charitable causes and make positive contributions to local communities,” their official website says. 

NIL Management helped negotiate the mega-deal. The Columbus-based agency represents all four players and Beebe helped finalize all contract details.

Burke is just one of 41 players who have been or are currently represented by NIL Management.

The four Buckeyes will receive a total of $550,000 for several ad campaigns, 614 says. This stands as the largest Name, Image, and Likeness deal to date for Ohio State athletes since the NCAA’s rule change in July of 2021.

What do Burke and the others have to do in exchange?

Each of the players will take part in photo shoots for either American Eagle Outfitters or DSW. Stroud and Smith-Njigba are employed by DSW while American Eagle are employing Burke and Henderson.

“They said Denzel has a great look they want,” Beebe said to Cleveland.com. “He’s a handsome young guy. For him and TreVeyon to be the face of American Eagle is damn cool for us.”

The fact that big-name players are chosen by businesses for deals often makes sense. However, companies should also look out for athletes who have the skills, but haven’t developed the same reputation yet. Oftentimes, there are hidden gems such as Burke who can represent a business just as well.

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, pursuing 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.