Michigan Cornerback Will Johnson 3 NIL Deals in 2 Days

Now that there is a new crop of seniors for the next season of college football, fans can expect a lot of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships with new star athletes. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson already had some NIL experience last season, but he is wasting no time securing new deals. 

April Fools?

In the first two days of April, Johnson announced three NIL deals. On April 1, the 21-year-old shared that he has partnered with Rockin’ Protein and Feldman Chevrolet of Highland (which, despite the day, wasn’t an April Fools joke). 

Rockin’ Protein is a protein drink company known for its use of Shamrock Farms Milk. They also pride themselves on their use of clean ingredients and lack of preservatives.

“I love Rockin’ Protein because it’s the best-tasting protein drink out there,” Johnson captioned the post. “It’s made with pure, fresh @ShamrockFarmsMilk – plus, it’s lactose-free so it’s not only easy to drink, but it has no chalky after-taste like other protein drinks.”

Will’s new whip

The Feldman Chevrolet is a car dealership in Highland, Michigan. The business posted news of their NIL deals with both Johnson and Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.

Johnson has partnered with the dealership before. In July of 2023, the Wolverine and members of the dealership created a video advertisement. 

Then, just one day later, The University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU) shared the news that they had partnered with Johnson, as well. 

“Throughout the upcoming year, UMCU will offer its membership and community the opportunity to interact with Johnson at its branches and a variety of special events, acquire autographed memorabilia, and much more. Additionally, UMCU will launch a new product line of services with exclusive benefits,” UMCU stated.

Why Johnson’s success isn’t exactly a surprise

Overall, people don’t seem too surprised that Johnson is participating in so many deals. 

“Will Johnson is one of the faces of the Michigan program at the moment, and he’s extremely marketable,” said Clayton Sayfie, who covers Michigan football for The Wolverine.

“It’s no surprise companies are lining up to do deals with him coming off the type of season and national championship game he had,” Sayfie added. “He’s now one of the leaders on the field and has helped keep the core group of Wolverines together through the coaching change this offseason. Johnson is a sure-fire All-American again this year and a likely first-round pick.”

Another sports agent who doesn’t work with Johnson told On3 that he is the “total package.”

Johnson says he is grateful for the recent changes in player compensation that allow him to monetize himself. 

“With the rise of social media and the new college sports landscape, I’m now blessed with the opportunity to market myself and my brand, and further the business goals of my brand partners,” Johnson said in a news release.

The University of Michigan star is likely to become one of the next college football NIL stars. Who knows what else is in store for Johnson throughout the next year?

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.