The Biggest NIL Deals from Heisman Winner Travis Hunter

To no one’s shock, Colorado (CU) dual-threat athlete Travis Hunter is this year’s Heisman Trophy recipient. 

Between breaking Colorado’s records for most receptions (11) in a starting debut at wide receiver, most receptions in the first game of a career at CU, and being the first player in 20+ seasons to record a 100-yard receiving game and have an interception on defense, he had quite the busy season.

However, he was also involved in a handful of huge Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Here is a quick look at five of his biggest deals throughout his career:

Adidas

Hunter partnered with Adidas just two days before receiving the Heisman Trophy. Terms of the deal haven’t been released, but they will likely include the usual promotions on social media. 

It wouldn’t be too surprising if the dual-threat even worked with them to create a personal line of shoes or apparel.

Several days after the deal was announced, he surprised his 15-year-old brother, Trayvis, by saying he would also be working with the brand. 

“I ain’t signing nothing that ain’t got no family involved,” Hunter said. “They had to add Trayvis in the deal. It’s gotta be right if Trayvis is in it.”

Squishmallows

The award for the most unique NIL deal in his portfolio (and maybe throughout the entire league) goes to Hunter for his partnership with Squishmallows.

The popular stuffed animal brand noticed that Hunter commonly hosts livestreams on Twitch with a small collection of Squishmallows in the back of his videos.

Squishmallows reached out to the cornerback and he announced his partnership with the popular brand right before the last home game of Colorado’s 2023 season.

As of right now, he is the only athlete to have partnered with the brand.

United Airlines

Hunter announced his deal with United Airlines about mid-way through the 2024 season by releasing a short advertisement.

In the video, 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, after listening to him welcome passengers onto a plane. 

“Tell me about it,” the Buffalo immediately replies. 

This wasn’t the first time Hunter and United spoke, though. After a game of playing both sides of the field during the 2023 season, Deion Sanders joked about needing a way for the 21-year-old to rest his muscles, even saying he’d put a hot tub on the plane for Hunter to rest.

The airline quickly replied, sharing their eagerness to work for the receiver. The rest of the two parties’ relationship is history.

EA Sports College Football 25

The release of EA Sports’ College Football 25 game had everyone talking this year. The last version was released in 2013 due to issues with player compensation and Name, Image, and Likeness rights. 

Because there was such a long drought with no new versions, fans were extremely eager to try out the game.

While more than 11,000 players received contracts, Hunter was one of the first athletes asked to be on the cover. There, he joins Michigan running back Donovan Edwards and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. 

Past athletes to grace the cover include USC’s Reggie Bush, Michigan’s Desmond Howard, Pittsburgh’s Larry Fitzgerald, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. Therefore, receiving the opportunity to do so is an enormous honor. It is also likely indicative of a very successful career for Hunter.

JLab

Finally, Hunter partnered with JLab’s 2024 “Connectivity” campaign featuring several high-profile college football players. 

The personal technology and audio brand partnered with five quarterback and wide receiver duos across the league. 

Hunter joined the campaign, but not with a partner. However, I guess playing both sides of the field constitutes the work of a duo, anyway.

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.