Caleb Williams Partners With Wendy’s For Yet Another NIL Deal

Does Caleb Williams ever take an off day?

The USC quarterback (QB) has become known as one of the most prominent names in college football, especially within the past few months. The Trojans’ leader continues to enjoy his status by participating in new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships practically every week.

One of his more recent deals is with a very well-known fast-food chain. 

Williams and Wendy’s work together

The Heisman winner partnered with Wendy’s at the end of August to bring attention to the restaurant’s newest menu item. 

The commercial begins with a tease that Williams transferred. Wendy’s employees continue by saying that the USC QB has transferred to the fast-food chain. 

They say Williams made the move due to Wendy’s new Loaded Nacho Cheese Burger.

“It’s melty, it’s crunchy, and it’s queso. Easiest choice I’ve ever made,” Williams states.

Williams isn’t the only famous football player to appear in the commercial, though. Former NFL QB Matt Leinart also plays a part. Although, he doesn’t get quite the same treatment.

Leinart has seven years of experience playing in the NFL. He was also awarded the 2004 Heisman Trophy during his time as QB for USC. He is currently working with Williams on an arcade-style game that should be available early next year. However, Wendy’s employees seem to have no idea who he is.

This isn’t the first time the fast-food chain has been in the world of college football. The brand partnered with Kansas QB Jalon Daniels last year. Other notable stars like FOX Sports Commentator Rob Stone and former NFL and USC running back Reggie Bush have made appearances in Wendy’s commercials, too.

How NIL has affected Williams

Aside from Wendy’s, Williams has worked up quite the collection of Name, Image, and Likeness deals. At just 21 years old, he has partnered with Neutrogena, Fanatics, Beats by Dre, AT&T, Playstation, Dr. Pepper, AC+ION Water, Athletic Brewing Company, United Airlines, and Alo Yoga.

It’s because of several opportunities, but mainly NIL that Williams is currently a multimillionaire.

“It changed my life, to say the least, for sure,” Williams shared on Pac-12 Media Day according to On3.

He mentions that once he arrived at USC, he was introduced to significantly more opportunities than before. 

“I was meeting different people and with that being said, I was able to do certain cool things like giving my teammates, I don’t know, a hundred and some pairs of Beats and the coaches and stuff.”

He elaborates, noting several of the things he enjoys about his NIL opportunities.

“Just being able to provide for my teammates and care for them and things like that, for maybe the people that are walk-ons or maybe people that aren’t getting NIL deals like that. Being able to help provide, and then also me being able to take care of myself fully and be on my own and be independent and not wave at my parents and say, ‘Hey, I need this.’ I’m able to take care of myself and do all the things that I’ve always wanted to do.”

Who knows what other NIL deals Williams will ink within the rest of his career as a college athlete? In the meantime, his deal with Wendy’s is just another notch on his belt. 

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.