Dillon Gabriel Leaning Into Athletic Equipment NIL Deals

Dillon Gabriel just announced yet another Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. 

The Oregon quarterback (QB) has partnered with EvoShield, a company that specializes in athletic protective gear. Gabriel is promoting their Sleeveless Rib Shirt.

“I never shy away from contact, knowing I’m good right over here,” he says referring to the rib shirt. “Knowing you’re protected, it allows you to play free and not overthink or second guess anything you do.”

In a position like Gabriel’s, it’s important to feel comfortable when you’re on the field. As the QB for a top Big Ten team, the last thing he wants is to feel restricted or have to overthink his movements. 

“I would never play a game without the rib shirt,” Gabriel said. It’s just so functional that it’s molded to my body and every movement that I make.”

The shirt uses “Gel-to-Shell” technology pads that can be inserted into pockets on the stomach. These allow athletes to brush off tough hits and increase their confidence on the field.

Gabriel is the perfect person to promote the product as he has worn it for all six seasons of his college career. Although he wasn’t always a Duck (he previously played for UCF, then at Oklahoma before transferring to Oregon), he has always been devoted to the product.

“We are proud to partner with talented athletes like him who embody the values of our brand,” EvoShield says.

Gabriel goes back to high school

Not only has Gabriel pledged his loyalty to EvoShield, but he also helped them donate a huge gift to high school athletes in Oklahoma last year.

In July 2023, Gabriel and Oklahoma wide receiver Jalil Farooq visited Norman North High School. They worked with EvoShield, plus the Taylor Haugen Foundation and its YESS program to donate 136 rib shirts to junior varsity and varsity football players.

The Taylor Haugen Foundation was created by two parents who lost their 15-year-old child to a football injury in 2008. Ever since they have been committed to protecting as many youth athletes as possible.

Head coach at Norman North, Justin Jones also understands the importance of keeping his athletes safe.

“I’ve been in football all my life, as a player and coach, and have seen many injuries,” said Jones. “Our first priority, always, is to ensure the safety of these young athletes. We’re honored that Dillon Gabriel and Jalil Farooq decided to utilize their NIL partnership with EvoShield to team up with the Taylor Haugen Foundation and YESS to provide this additional protection to every one of our players. They are to be commended.” 

New NIL trends?

Gabriel has been extremely busy with NIL deals so far this year. His partnership with EvoShield isn’t even his first deal with an athletic equipment company. 

The QB partnered with VICIS, a football helmet company in July to promote their new campaign. He didn’t profit from that deal, though. Instead, he and the brand gave back to his former high school in Mililani, Hawaii by donating new helmets and shoulder pads to the football team.

Both deals are in line with the new era of protective equipment. Several NFL players have begun wearing safeguard caps in games after the NFL gave players the option to do so.

I wouldn’t be surprised if more deals with equipment retailers pop up during the 2024 season.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the 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.