South Carolina's DK Joyner promotes Snickers in latest NIL deal

DK Joyner has done a little bit of everything in his career at South Carolina.

The sixth-year player began his career off as a quarterback before making the position change to wide receiver. But in the 2021 Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over North Carolina, he started at quarterback. An offensive weapon, he’s since made his home at running back and wide receiver for good.

In his final season with the Gamecocks, he’s shown off why he is versatile. The former South Carolina Mr. Football winner has four rushing touchdowns and 107 yards on 40 carries. He’s also third on the team in receiving, emerging as a go-to target for Spencer Rattler with 14 catches for 75 yards.

Joyner has now signed his most notable NIL deal to date. The former four-star prospect has inked an agreement with Snickers, promoting the candy bar on his social media pages.

As part of the agreement, he is promoting the Rookie Mistake of the Year campaign. The Snickers giveaway includes prizes all season for fans along with a chance to win tickets to Super Bowl LVIII.

The deal was facilitated by Park Avenue Sports, which is managed by Everett Sports Marketing. The Gamecock-focused sports marketing agency is funded through small-dollar membership fees from the Carolina Rise collective. Terms of the Joyner’s agreement were not disclosed.

“The brand’s marketing focus this fall is Snickers as the ultimate gameday treat,” Park Ave director Chaise Belt said in a statement. “Who would be a better face for Gamecock Gameday than DK Joyner.” 

While Park Avenue is no longer working hand-in-hand with South Carolina, it still plans to work exclusively with Gamecocks athletes. In the initial release, the marketing firm said it would work with about 25 to 35 of South Carolina’s high-profile athletes, with the goal of incorporating players across other teams. It’s just a launching point as more and more collectives show interest in launching similar marketing firms at their school.

DK Joyner is reaping Park Ave’s benefits at South Carolina, becoming one of the first college athletes to work with Snickers.