Chop Robinson – The Perfect Person for This NIL Deal

There are countless Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals related to vehicle endorsements, apparel brands, and even leading companies like Google and Amazon. However, not every partnership is as interesting or perfectly matched as this deal with Penn State defensive end Demeioun “Chop” Robinson.

Robinson’s unique nickname allowed him to partner with the Pennsylvania Pork Produce Council (PPPC) this past October. The defensive end appeared in several of the brand’s social media posts, plus other advertisements.

“Our partnership with Chop allows for a fun, engaging way to keep pork front of mind,” PPPC executive director Courtney Gray said in a statement. 

“A delicious pork chop is flavor-packed and full of protein,” continued Gray “Athletes like Chop can enjoy it, but so can the average family. Pork is so versatile, it can be used as an ingredient or the star of a dish. We want people to choose pork for their tailgates, but also all season long.” 

Ironically, Demeioun Robinson isn’t the only ‘Robinson’ with a deal like this. Current Atlanta Falcons running back and the eighth-overall pick of the 2023 Draft Bijan Robinson released his own brand of mustard last year named “Dijan Mustardson.”

Who knows? The next stop for Robinson could be his own brand of pork chops.

How Robinson got his nickname

When the former Nittany Lion was born, he was so big that his family called him “Pork Chop.” According to Sports Illustrated, Robinson was 14 pounds and his family said that he was a “big kid with ‘no neck.’” 

“My parents started calling me ‘Pork Chop’ early on and it stuck! Since then, I grew taller and thinned out, but ‘Chop’ stuck,” Robinson said.

Fast forward to elementary school where he was the tallest kid in his class. Then, to eighth grade when Robinson says he was 6-foot-1.

Now, he stands at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds and he is still known on many mock drafts as “Chop Robinson.”

A standout athlete and individual

Robinson brings more to the table than just a creative business deal. Not only is he an exceptional athlete, but he was also a great addition to the Nittany Lions.

“Chop is a very coachable kid,” Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes said before the season. “He will listen to everything you say and do his best to ask you. He’s that kid you don’t have to yell at. If he feels like he’s disappointing you, he’ll feel bad about it and try his best to be able to execute,” Sports Illustrated writes.

“He’s a kid who understands his flaws at times and he’ll work on those things before or after practice in the film room [and] do whatever he needs to do to fix those flaws,” continued Barnes. He’s a conscientious, self-aware player.”

Robinson continues to display that he is the kind of player any coach would be happy to mentor. Experts from Sports Illustrated and FOX Sports predict he will be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Overall, the defensive end appears to have a bright future ahead.

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.