Justyn Ross announces first NIL agreement

CLEMSON — Justyn Ross has signed his first endorsement deal thanks to the NIL era officially beginning on Thursday.

Via his own personal Instagram page, the star wide receiver announced that his own custom merchandise can be found at The Players Trunk.

 

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At The Players Trunk store website, fans can buy a t-shirt for $29.99 and a premium hoodie for $59.99. Ross joined Kentucky guard Dontaie Allen as student-athletes who announced new deals with the online clothing store on Thursday morning. Former college athletes Luka Garza, Cassius Winston, and Jordan Poole also have custom merchandise on the website.

The former blue-chip recruit from Alabama became a household name in the 2018 national championship game when Ross recorded six receptions for 153 yards in the blowout win to claim Clemson’s third national championship. The star receiver is one of the most popular players on Clemson’s roster this fall. There is a medical issue looming, but the preseason All-American could be one of the most dominant wide receivers in college football. The veteran prepared himself for the arrival of NIL.

“Starting July 1st according to the NCAA, we will be granted the opportunity to capitalize off our name, image, and likeness at the collegiate level,” Ross tweeted. “Pretty soon, we as student-athletes will be able to brand ourselves, as well as other companies and businesses. My DM is open to all potential opportunities!!”

As July rolls on, expect more endorsement deals to be announced. Clemson athletics released an information page on Wednesday as preparation for this new world. On that reference page, the university has posted its policy for NIL, what is and is not legal, and how the state of South Carolina’s legislation comes into play.

“Beginning July 1, 2021, the NCAA has interim rules to allow student-athletes the ability to earn compensation for the use of their own NIL. This is intended as a resource and does not constitute legal advice and the terms are subject to change as state and national guidance changes.”

Ross becomes one of the first prominent Clemson players to strike up a deal.

Which Tiger will be next?