Laiatu Latu Joins ‘All American SAXX Conference’

UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu has inked a new and exciting Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal that also benefits a good cause. 

Wednesday, September 27, SAXX Underwear announced their participation, yet again, in the world of NIL. This time, the brand’s main focus is on “realignment” and the group of players is being called the “All-SAXX Conference.“

The partnership also includes Colorado linebacker Jordan Domineck, Miami defensive end Jahfari Harvey, TCU linebacker Jamoi Hodge, Michigan defensive end Braiden McGregor, and USC linebacker Shane Lee. Last season, the group of players put up almost 40 sacks. Who knows how many they will contribute with donations on the line?

“It’s cool to be recognized by SAXX as one of the top defensive leaders in college football,” said Latu. “But I was drawn to this partnership because of the charitable aspect. Even though we don’t wear the same school colors as each other, the All-SAXX Conference pledge is something we can all get behind,” the edge rusher said.

SAXX’s Impact

SAXX stated they would donate $1,000 to the Testicular Cancer Foundation every time one of their athletes sacks a quarterback. The six athletes will also spread information regarding testicular cancer on social media and through appearances made with SAXX.

Almost 10,000 males will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in the US this year, according to The Testicular Cancer Foundation. Plus, 1 out of 250 men will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their life.

“We obviously had some fun with the creative for this program, but it was important to us that there was a meaningful philanthropic angle to the final product,” SAXX chief executive officer Wendy Bennison said according to Sports Illustrated.

“We’ve long supported the Testicular Cancer Foundation, so we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with some of the most prolific sackers in college football on this worthy initiative.”

Former NFL player Jevon Kearse is known for his fair share of sacks. As the record holder for most sacks by a rookie, Kearse has a special role in this endorsement, On3 writes. He will “crown the top sacker from the group by endowing them with the ‘Balls Not Stuck to Thighsman Trophy,’”

“I’m a big fan of SAXX… and sacks,” said Kearse according to PR Newswire. “So, this partnership was a no-brainer. I can’t wait to see who takes home the trophy at the end of the year.”

There are no current details regarding modeling as part of the NIL agreement. However, the athletes did pose and make an appearance on SAXX’s official Instagram page.

Latu’s lively season

Latu has recently been receiving plenty of attention for his work on the field. ESPN’s Mel Kiper recently placed the 22-year-old on his Top 25 Big Board for the 2024 NFL Draft.

So far this season, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end has totaled 10 solo and 10 assisted tackles, plus one interception and two forced fumbles. He also contributed five and a half sacks- four of which occurred in the first two games of the season. 

This deal will probably be just one of many for Latu this season. Brands like to see that athletes are marketable. However, when the athlete is willing to benefit a good cause and not just themselves- they become even more desirable.

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.