University of Miami QB Cam Ward Scores More NIL Deals

It’s been a busy week for University of Miami quarterback (QB) Cam Ward. 

On Monday, Ward announced his new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Bose Headphones.

Ward uses his headphones to cancel out noise from a press conference in a video posted on his Instagram.

The QB isn’t the only one to benefit from the deal. Each of his teammates also received their own pair of headphones, as well.

“It’s great,” defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. said regarding the deal. “It means he cares about us. I haven’t had headphones in a minute. He hooked me up. That’s the guy. That’s the G.O.A.T. He said he’s going to get us some Scat Packs soon.”

“It’s hard shopping for a 110 guys,” Ward joked. “They just talked in the locker room about the scat packs. We’ve got some guys on this team driving better than scat packs. They ain’t getting no whip from me. They know that,” Ward replied.

In his advertisement with Adidas, the QB is seen performing several exercises in the weight room.

​​“As we continue to lead the way in the evolving NIL landscape and build out our roster of incredibly talented student-athletes, we’re proud to partner with one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country,” said Chris McGuire, Adidas Vice President of Sports Marketing. “Our unprecedented mark in the college football NIL space last season was a thrilling journey, and we’re ready to match that energy this season with the passion for greatness that Cam exhibits.”

In the past, Adidas has partnered with former Washington Huskies Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze, both first-round picks of the 2024 Draft.

How Ward is staying organized

In general, a college athlete inks one NIL deal every few weeks. Two deals in one week can be incredibly time-consuming, especially during the middle of an athletic season.

Despite his busy week, Ward is staying focused on his football career.

“It doesn’t bother me one bit,” Ward said, according to Yahoo! Sports. “All that stuff has been done. It’s just finally getting out there now. My mind will always be on football. Football is the reason why I want to make a living in my life. I know what I have to do on the football field. None of the other stuff outside means nothing to me. Doesn’t mean nothing to our building but winning football games, and that’s the only thing I care about.”

As of October 25, Ward’s NIL valuation crossed the 2 million dollar mark.

Before he played for Miami, Ward played for Incarnate Word and Washington State, both schools not particularly known for NIL. Transferring to the Hurricanes is a large reason Ward’s valuation has exponentially increased.

“I think Miami, obviously, had a lot to do with it,” Ward said. “Just because … the brand that Miami has, that was really the biggest thing, I would say. The brand had a lot of impact on it. I’m blessed to be in this position, to do stuff like this for my team and for myself. I wouldn’t trade this position for nothing,” Yahoo! Sports reports.

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.