Nazir Stackhouse New Partnership With Athens Rock Lobsters

Nazir Stackhouse is starting the year off right with a unique new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

The Georgia defensive lineman and two-time National Champion made a recent appearance at Akins Ford Arena during the Athens Rock Lobsters hockey game.

Before the game, Stackhouse held a meet-and-greet in which fans with specialty ticket packages could take photos, receive autographs, and chat with the 22-year-old.

The Rock Lobsters and Stackhouse promoted the event on the team’s Instagram account several days ago, urging fans to join them for the evening.

For anyone looking for more exclusive opportunities, the “Stackhouse Superfan Suite” was also available for purchase. This included premium seating, complimentary food, and additional time with the defensive lineman during the hockey game.

Changing the landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness

The event is a first-of-its-kind NIL deal. While most partnerships involve a social media promotion, a commercial, or a personal apparel line, this deal stands out. 

Since its inception, fans rarely see NIL deals incorporating two sports at once. It’s even more rare that we see an athlete partnering with a team that plays another sport, making this partnership even more groundbreaking.

“Nazir’s partnership perfectly ties Athens’ love for Georgia Football with its new energy surrounding the Rock Lobsters,” said Katelyn Sparks, Director of Partnership Fulfillment. “With the support of First American Bank & Trust, we’re excited to create a memorable night for fans of all ages and introduce the hockey experience to the Classic City” (NIL Newstand).

As the home of the Georgia Bulldogs, Athens is renowned for the passionate enthusiasm its residents have for football. Combining one of the team’s biggest stars with hockey serves as a great way for fans to experience new things and even expand their knowledge of the sport.

Director of Community Relations Lindsey Bornhorst echoed the sentiment: “This collaboration highlights the shared passion for sports in Athens – Naz is a fan favorite, and we’re thrilled to provide an opportunity for football fans to experience hockey with one of their own!”

The deal was organized by Gaines Group Activations, a popular organization known for its creative approaches to NIL and athlete marketing.

Stackhouse reveals commitment to community

To make the evening even more exciting, the Athens Rock Lobsters auctioned off an exclusive jersey representative of the event. The one-of-a-kind Rock Lobsters jersey included Stackhouse’s nameplate, number, and autograph. 

The idea of community engagement isn’t new to Stackhouse. In July of 2023, Stackhouse, as well as several of his teammates, participated in a charity golf tournament for a former Georgia football player. 

He also looks forward to the annual meetup with Extra Special People (ESP), an organization central to the Athens area that connects people with disabilities and their families. Stackhouse, whose older brother is deaf, says he takes pleasure in not only understanding but also celebrating the unique qualities of others.

Stackhouse’s community engagement skills align perfectly with his new role with the Rock Lobsters. He says he even plans to use his platform to simplify the sport of hockey for anyone interested.

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.