Marvin Harrison Jr., Quinn Ewers & Bo Nix Join Cleat Crew

College football season has just taken off and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are already taking over. 7-Eleven has now entered the NIL space with their new deal featuring nine college football players.

This year kicks off the convenience store’s annual “Cleat Crew” program. Each athlete will work with The Shoe Surgeon, a Los Angeles-based company that offers custom-tailored footwear, apparel, and accessories.

Involved in the deal are Boston College linebacker Kameron Arnold, Michigan running back Blake Corum, Florida running back Trevor Etienne, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, USC wide receiver Dorian Singer, and Penn State running back Nick Singleton.

Also a part of the deal are Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.

Each athlete will work directly with The Shoe Surgeon to design a unique pair of cleats. Then, an online auction will occur every week. Fans will have the opportunity to win the shoes and proceeds go to The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Each week’s auction will correspond with the athlete’s signature matchup of the season, according to On3.

Harrison Jr. happy to help

Harrison Jr. commented on the deal saying, “I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate with 7-Eleven, Speedway, and The Shoe Surgeon to create something awesome for fans, while also doing good in the community,” On3 writes. “Spreading happiness on and off the field is what football is all about and I’m looking forward to supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”

7-Eleven is a longtime partner of The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and has donated to them before. “Through a combination of in-store customer donations and the annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner, we’ve raised more than $150 million since 1991 for children’s hospitals across the country,” 7-Eleven Corporate writes.

Every Thursday for the next nine weeks, 7-Eleven will post a new athlete’s cleat on their Instagram (@7eleven). Bidding will last from Thursday to the following Wednesday for each athlete.

Bo Nix kicks off the bidding

Bo Nix was up first with bidding from September 22 – 27. After the Ducks’ 42-6 win against Colorado, his cleats should increase in value. Nix selected the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon as his charity.

“I’m grateful to be able to support PeaceHealth Sacred Heart and give back to the community here in Eugene,” said Bo Nix. “I can’t wait for fans to see what I’ve been cooking up with The Shoe Surgeon. I think we’ve come up with a design that honors the cause in a unique way.“

Quinn Ewers is next among the three top draft prospects and his auction will span from October 6 – 11. He chose the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas. Harrison is two weeks later from October 20 – 25, and his proceeds will benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Ewers’ influence sure to help 7-Eleven deal

Ewers has more than a dozen NIL endorsement deals he’s signed in the last year alone. These include brands such as Panini America, Beats by Dre, HEYDUDE shoes, and C4 Energy. The quarterback’s valuation is high, largely due to his massive social media following.

“It’s inspiring to watch this next generation of role models get fired up for service – and we are proud to support these young athletes as they give back to their communities,” said Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven’s Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sustainability Officer, PRNews Wire writes.

Interested fans can place their bid through this link.

The full auction schedule can be found here.

This project is just another example of NIL work that allows players to do good for their community. Events like this with players like the ones selected are great models of what can come out of Name, Image, and Likeness.

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.