Zach Calzada apologizes for viral video taunting Kentucky fans over NIL deal

The Zach Calzada experiment did not work this season for Kentucky. Calzada has not played much this season for head coach Mark Stoops after being a big offseason acquisition. Kentucky paid handsomely for him out of the NCAA transfer portal, something Calzada made the rest of us aware of recently.

A viral video emerged of Calzada showing off a stack of $100 bills to a fan named Garrett. He repeatedly told Garrett to “Go get you some money.” After making the rounds on social media, Calzada posted an apology on social media for his actions.

“To my teammates, coaches, and anyone who has ever believed in me,” Calzada began via Instagram. “I take full responsibility for the video I sent to someone on social media. I let my emotions get the best of me. It does not reflect the gratitude I should share as a member of the Kentucky Football team. I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches, and our fans. I’ll learn from this, do better, and move forward with more respect for the opportunity I’ve been given.”

The video in question from Calzada lasts around a minute. He sifts through the money before laying it down on the ground and spreading the bills across the carpet. You can check out the full thing below.

Zach Calzada flexing his money, even though he got benched for Cutter Boley 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VrVEXfb6Sy

— My Thoughts (@mythoughtskc) November 6, 2025

Tyler Thompson of On3 | Rivals’ KSR added more information, specifically when it comes to Calzada’s NIL payment. Turns out, Kentucky paid him seven figures to be the guy in 2025. Per the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings, he was just inside the top 30 when it came to quarterbacks who entered this cycle.

“Kentucky paid Zach Calzada $1.25 million for this season,” Thompson said via X. “The transfer portal can be a gamble, but this one certainly did not pan out.”

Calzada began his career at Texas A&M — most famously being the starting quarterback for the upset win over Alabama in 2021 — before moving across the SEC to Auburn. No playing time was earned on the Plains, moving back to the Lone Star State to play for Incarnate Word. Another opportunity to place in the SEC came up with Kentucky, a chance Calzada decided to take.

He wound up playing in two games, throwing for 234 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. Cutter Boley has spent most of the 2025 season as the starting quarterback. Kentucky, as a team, has not had the best run. They head into Saturday’s showdown vs. Florida with a 3-5 overall record.