Roman Wilson Scores Big With Crocs

The best Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are those that pair perfectly with the person advertising the products. Although he doesn’t wear this particular product on the field, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson is a big fan of this product off of the field.

In January, Wilson teamed up with the popular footwear brand, Crocs, and according to him, he is a huge fan.

“Anyone that knows me knows there’s not a day that goes by where I’m not wearing my Crocs,” said Wilson. “To and from class, practice, on away trips, or putting em in sport mode when taking Crocs out for walks. That’s why I’m so hyped to partner with Crocs and DICK’S Sporting Goods to share my favorite styles with you.”

Wilson even says Crocs are his favorite shoes.

Fans can see him sporting his own Crocs with his personal choice of jibbitz in the ad. These are charms designed to be placed in the holes of Crocs. 

Brilliant timing

According to On3, Wilson’s agency, Athletes+ Management has been trying to land him a deal with Crocs for years. 

“Two years of outreach, conversations, and follow-ups, we finally got Roman Wilson a partnership with his favorite brand,” Athletes+ Management said in a statement according to On3.

NIL Platform “Postgame” and Athletes+ Management finally agreed to terms and announced Wilson’s partnership right before he had one of his best games yet. 

During the Rose Bowl, Michigan fans were becoming worried when the Wolverines were down by 7 with less than two minutes left. However, Wilson changed the course of the game when he caught a 29-yard pass. He then scored, tying the game and the Wolverines won in overtime.

“Talk about striking while the iron is hot. Such a smart marketing move by Roman and Crocs,” one NIL agent told On3. “The deal ahead of the CFP was smart, but now it’s even better because he did so well in the game.”

Wilson gaining attention

Wilson has participated in quite a few other brand deals including partnerships with Accelerator Active Energy, Drip House Coffee Company, CeraVe Skincare, Next Gen Camps, eFuse, Activision, and Michigan-focused Champions Circle, On3 writes.

His deal with Crocs, though, is his first with a major company, demonstrating his rise to stardom. 

“All credit to Roman for being so proactive off the field,” founder of Athletes+ Management, Matt Knox shared. “He understands social media through such a unique lens [which has] allowed him to build a strong personal brand beyond the field. Pair that with his success on the field it’s a no-brainer for brands to want to align with him,” Sports Illustrated writes.

As Blue By Ninety said, Wilson was not a hugely popular player going into the 2023 season. In his first two years with the team, he had dealt with several injuries and was never WR1 [wide receiver 1] for quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

However, it seems pretty clear that Wilson has made a name for himself leading up to the draft. Fans will have to wait until the draft to see what team picks him up.

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.