Sam Hartman Shares NIL Fortune with Teammates

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals continue to heat up as more college athletes partner with new companies almost every day. First, brands started to endorse athletes by giving them products to shout out on social media or other public platforms. However, there is a new NIL tactic that is emerging throughout the world of college sports. It is becoming a trend for athletes with brand deals to negotiate products not just for themselves, but also their teammates. 

How is Hartman’s deal benefiting the rest of the team?

This week Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman has announced another NIL deal, this time with Beats by Dre. On3 NIL announced the deal with a post on X (formerly Twitter) this past Monday.

“Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman has signed an NIL deal with Beats by Dre, gifting his entire team headphones.” The post also explains that the deal was confirmed by VaynerSports, which is the talent management agency that represents Hartman.

“The way NIL was supposed to be. Great example of what the whole thing was purported to do #GoIrish,” one user wrote. 

Another applauded Hartman, saying, “That’s a guy who isn’t in it for him. He gets it- not every player will get a NIL [deal].”

Notre Dame football also released a video of Hartman telling his teammates about their new headphones. 

Hartman’s teammates are happy to have him

Talking about their first game taking place in Dublin, Ireland, Hartman introduced the deal. “We got a long flight, I feel like we might need something to take care of us- help us sleep.” 

“It’s like Christmas every day with Sam Hartman,” teammate Michael Vinson jokes.

Each player was gifted their own pair of custom gold headphones to match their uniform.

This deal comes just three days after Hartman also gifted his entire team a pair of new Under Armour shoes. As one of Notre Dame’s official sponsors, the athletic apparel brand gave each player a pair of their very own SlipSpeed training shoes.

Aside from Hartman, Beats is also partnered with USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams. Before Williams, they teamed up with the No. 8 overall pick at this year’s draft, Bijan Robinson. It is clear the headphone brand has a good eye for players with star potential.

Before Hartman was the QB for the Fighting Irish, he spent five seasons playing for Wake Forest. There, he set multiple school records, but the 24-year-old ultimately decided to spend another year playing college football. 

Hartman adjusting to Notre Dame excellently

“It’s different; it’s special here,” Hartman recently said. “There [are] a lot of eyes which is pretty obvious at [this] point. You never really know until you’re out of it what it means to be in this position. As much as I can, trying to soak it in,” On3 reports.

Hartman currently has over $1 million in Name, Image, and Likeness earnings. Although, this will probably increase with both of his new endorsement partnerships. The quarterback has also worked his way up to over 120,000 social media followers. 

Both of these factors allowed Hartman to earn a spot on On3’s NIL100. 

It is truly amazing that Hartman is sharing his wealth with his new teammates. It seems that he is fitting into his new team well, which can’t hurt when it comes to how the team performs. Unity and camaraderie off the field can only lead to good things on the field.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by 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.