Justin Edwards receives 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor through new NIL deal

ZGeogheganKSR

Justin Edwards was recently tabbed as the projected top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the folks over at The Athletic — but that’s not the only major headline involving Kentucky’s five-star freshman this week.

On Friday morning, local Lexington car dealership Paul Miller Ford posted on Instagram that the company has entered into a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Edwards. As part of the agreement, Paul Miller gifted Edwards with a brand new, black 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck, which holds an MSRP value of roughly $77,000.

“Hey Big Blue Nation! Get ready for a slam dunk, as we welcome University of Kentucky’s newest Wildcat, Justin Edwards to the Paul Miller family!” Paul Miller wrote in their Instagram post. “We can’t wait to see Justin’s debut at Rupp Arena this season, and we’re proud to present him with the keys to a brand new 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor.”

Edwards is pictured in the photo below (rocking the classic, casual teenager look of flip-flops with socks) in front of his new wheels while being handed over the keys. In the background, you can see a group photo of UK football head coach Mark Stoops, men’s basketball head coach John Calipari, and women’s basketball head coach Kyra Elzy — all of whom have deals with Paul Miller.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Miller Ford | Ford Dealership (@paulmillerky)

Former Kentucky football players Wan’Dale Robinson and Will Levis were also previously partnered with Paul Miller before heading off to the NFL.

Edwards came to Kentucky as the No. 2 overall prospect in On3’s 2023 Industry Rankings, and he’s already living up to the hype — now both on and off the court.

During Kentucky’s perfect 4-0, gold medal-winning trip to Canada for the 2023 GLOBL Jam back in July, the 6-foot-7 Edwards finished the event on a high note. He posted 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the Wildcats’ championship-round victory over Team Canada. Throughout the four-game tournament, Edwards averaged 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per outing while shooting 40 percent overall from the floor.