The Maturity of Raheim Sanders

Raheim Sanders is taking a different approach to his endorsements, First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach explains.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have shaken up the world of college sports. Since the NCAA’s rule change in July of 2021, deals are getting more creative by the day. Some are more fitting than others like the deal Kool-Aid McKinstry inked with the popular drink company.

However, I am not sure any NIL endorsements are as meaningful as this deal with a certain Arkansas running back.

Sanders scores with Huggies

Raheim Sanders announced his partnership with Huggies this past February. 

…yes, we are talking about Huggies, the diaper brand. Sanders has been a father since his son, RJ’s birth in 2021. He is familiar with the world of babies and makes the perfect spokesperson.

“Hey guys, I’m excited to let you know that I have partnered with Huggies.” As you know, my son is my top priority,” Sanders said in a Twitter video. “Did you know one in three American families experience diaper needs? This month, Huggies will be donating a day’s worth of diapers to the National Diaper Bank Network. For each pack of wipes or diapers purchased at Sam’s Club, they’ve pledged to donate up to two million diapers.”

Huggies pledged to donate six diapers to The National Diaper Bank Network for every purchase of diapers or wipes. They provide basic necessities to children and families around the U.S. This pledge lasted the full month of February, this past year.

The deal came about with the help of OneArkansas NIL. Sanders re-signed with the Arkansas-aligned NIL collective in January. The 20-year-old will endorse non-profit organizations like the Family Network according to the collective, On3 states.

Sanders’ commitment to family

Sanders is definitely a family man. Ever since his son’s birth in August of 2021, it is clear that the running back’s son means the world to him.

“If RJ tell Daddy he want the world, it’ll be ours,” Sanders captioned a post on Instagram from January 2.

Raheim or Rocket Jr.?

His son, Raheim Jr. is named after him. However, he could also call his son “Rocket Jr.” after his football alias.

Sanders’ nickname emerged when he was just a child. He scored his first touchdown at one of his little league games around the age of six. His coach called him “Rocket” and the name stuck, WholeHogSports writes.

It is an appropriate name considering Sanders is now 6-foot-2 and over 225 pounds. Not to mention, he has incredible speed and athleticism.

Most athletes are chasing vehicle endorsements and deals regarding food and fashion. However, Sanders’ decision to represent a company dealing with babies, diapers, and messes shows a high level of maturity.

“He has a professionalism at a young age,” his high school coach, Wayne Younger said in an article from WholeHogSports. “He’s extremely mature in the fact that he knows what his goals are, and he’s going to make sure he does whatever he can to make sure he accomplishes those goals. I think he was always like that from Day 1.”

It would be surprising if coaches were to overlook Sanders in the 2024 draft. His athleticism, entrepreneurial work, and commitment to his son are very special.

Every team should have Sanders on their draft board next year.

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.