Drake Maye Meet & Greet Benefits Many

For over two years now, college athletes throughout the U.S. have had the opportunity to financially benefit from brand endorsements. Using their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, there have been a multitude of partnerships. From food to vehicle dealerships to technology companies, players are working with all different kinds of companies. 

However, not all athletes are solely focusing on how they can profit from a deal. In fact, a certain team recently had several players participate in what is now considered a more old-fashioned event. Before there were brand deals, there were meet and greets. This is exactly what North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye made an appearance at last week.

Maye takes time for fans

The event, named “Heels, Huddle & Handshakes” featured several members of the Tar Heels. Maye, plus wide receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker, linebackers Power Echols and Cedric Gray, and tight end Bryson Nesbit all participated in the meet and greet using their NIL rights. The event was held on August 14 at Tremont Local Drinkery & Eatery in Charlotte, NC.

Maye, in addition to Heels4Life, shared news of the meet and greet via Twitter on Thursday, August 10.

The tweet explains the date, time, and place of which the event took place. It also states there was food available, a raffle, and an opportunity for autographs and photos with the players. Finally, each of the sponsors had logos featured in the advertisement. These include Heels4Life, PORCH Inc., Sumner Sports, and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

What is Heels4Life?

The Heels4Life group is one of the main sponsors of the event. This is North Carolina’s personal collective founded in 2022 by Tar Heels’ linebacker, Shakeel Rashad. The collective aims to facilitate partnerships between their athletes and brands, enhancing their players’ leverage of their new Name, Image, and Likeness abilities, and building on relationships between Tar Heels athletes, fans, and community members.

“We seek to add value to every Tar Heel football player’s experience in Chapel Hill and help prepare them for life beyond campus,” Heels4Life says.

What about the other sponsors?

Another one of the sponsors, PORCH Inc is a sustainable hunger-relief program that provides individuals with more balanced nutritional programs. According to their official website, “PORCH has grown into a repeatable model of monthly neighborhood food drives and fresh produce distribution supplying food pantries, schools, and community programs across the country. PORCH’s volunteer network of 30 chapters in nine states, has contributed more than $10 million dollars in hunger relief.”

Sumner Sports, on the other hand, is known for sponsoring the ACC Barnstorming Tour. This is a group that focuses on hosting games and charity events. These events benefit fans who are a bit too far away to see a regular game. “The idea of the tour is to reach ACC fans who aren’t necessarily close to the Triangle area of the state — fans who may not get many chances to get to an ACC game, but who would like to see and even meet the players.”

It seems that Maye is participating for more reasons than to simply gain more attention for himself. The sponsors are dedicated to helping others and it would appear that Maye is, too.

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.