Travis Hunter Inks Exciting NIL Deal with United Airlines

Travis Hunter is back again with possibly his biggest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal yet.

The Colorado wide receiver/cornerback recently inked a deal with United Airlines. Last week, he announced his partnership with the brand by releasing a short advertisement.

Hunter gets to work

Hunter is seen carrying out several roles at the airport including tagging luggage, directing planes, announcing flight information, and welcoming passengers onto a plane. 

“Man, this guy is everywhere,” one passenger notes. The Buffalo immediately replies, “Tell me about it.”

Hunter’s relationship with United began one year ago. After playing both sides of the field as usual, his coach, Deion Sanders joked about needing a way for the 21-year-old to rest his muscles.

“I don’t know how many snaps [Travis Hunter] played, but we’ll put a hot tub on the plane for him to make sure he’s straight,” Sanders stated. 

The airline quickly replied, expressing their eagerness to serve the receiver.

United’s specialized schedule

Hunter will promote the brand on social media and appear in several advertisements. Fans aren’t yet certain, but his deal with United will likely be similar to the company’s last NIL partnership. 

The airline entered the NIL space by partnering with former USC QB Caleb Williams last year. He advertised United’s additional flights designed for fans to easily attend any college football game of their choosing.

About two weeks before Hunter’s ad, United announced adding 20 nonstop flights to 30 of the most anticipated college football matchups this fall. 115 flights will also be larger planes to account for the increased demand.

Several of these matchups include popular rivalry games such as Ohio State at the University of Oregon on October 12, and the University of Alabama at Louisiana State University on November 9.

Following in the best footsteps

If United’s choice of brand ambassadors has any correlation to an athlete’s future success, Hunter’s NFL career looks bright. Aside from being the No. 1 draft pick at the last draft, Williams also just became the first in this category since 2002 to win their rookie debut game.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has already predicted Hunter to be the No. 1 pick.

“This kid is a first-rounder on both sides of the ball, like first pick,” Sanders said after Week 1. “He is the first pick. That’s who he is. Travis is—and he loves the game. He does not tire of loving the game and wanting to be in the game and studying the game and all of the intricate details of the game.”

Although Colorado’s Week 2 matchup against Nebraska was unexpectedly embarrassing for the Buffaloes, Hunter shouldn’t have much to worry about. Although he didn’t score during that game, he contributed three out of the team’s four touchdowns during Colorado’s Week 1 game against North Dakota State.

Who knows what other ways Hunter will impress fans throughout the season? At this rate, he may actually have his own hot tub by the end of the 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.