Oklahoma State Makes History With New Helmet QR Codes

Oklahoma State is upping their game this season…and not just in terms of their skills.

Head coach of the Cowboys Mike Gundy announced that the team will be wearing QR codes on their helmets. The codes will lead those who scan them to the Cowboys’ official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund. 

The codes will be personalized based on the players’ names and numbers. Each is set to be 1.5 square inches and placed on the back of the helmets. 

Even though the codes are too small for many individuals to see from the stands, photos shared after the games and shots taken during broadcasts are anticipated to be the main way that the Cowboys’ NIL valuation will increase, Oklahoma State University Athletics says.

The University also shared that the codes will be on the players’ bag tags, coasters throughout the stadium, and the OSU football equipment truck.

NIL’s major shift

“This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game,” said Gundy according to OSU Athletics. “It gives a chance for everyday fans across the world to have a real impact when it comes to supporting the NIL efforts for Cowboy football. I’m thrilled about this opportunity for our players.”

NIL has come a long way since its inception three years ago. Towards the beginning, brand deals were relatively simple. Many involved fast food chains or athletic brands.

Now, deals are much more involved and personalized based on the athletes. This announcement marks another huge turning point in the evolution of NIL, though. This is the first time that a team has worn a way for fans to donate.

Differing opinions

Although some people may admire the creativity of this idea, others are saying it doesn’t quite make sense. 

“This is one of the worst execution premises I’ve ever heard for an idea,” Greg Waddell of the Sleepers Podcast stated. “All you have to do is put the QR code on the player’s profile on the team website.”

His co-host Carter Elliott noted that the QR code is a good idea for individuals who participate in betting. He said that when Oklahoma State wins, they may be more inclined to donate some of their winnings to the team. 

Regardless of opinions, the idea will likely make the team more money than they would have made without the codes.

Coach Gundy shares his thoughts on NIL

In this new age of brand deals and agents, it’s difficult for some players to focus solely on the game. Coach Gundy shared how NIL tends to distract some players from the game. 

“The business side of what we do now—we have to have those conversations with [the players]. ‘Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for more money.’ It’s non-negotiable now. It’ll start again in December,” Gundy said. “So now we’re able to direct ourselves just in football, and that part is fun.”

“The good news is, the next five months we can just play football,” he said earlier this month, per ESPN. “There’s no negotiating now. The portal’s over- all the negotiation’s history. Now we’re playing football.”

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.