Why J.J. McCarthy believes Michigan is doing NIL 'the right way'
Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy is profiting off of NIL perhaps more than any other Michigan Wolverines football player. McCarthy has made appearances — including autograph signings at The MDen and hosting the ‘Wolverine Weekend’ golf outing in Traverse City last weekend — done endorsement deals and made cash in other ways.
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McCarthy donates a portion of what he pockets to children’s hospitals in Chicago, his hometown, and Ann Arbor in his “quest to impact the lives of future generations.” He gave more than $10,000 last December.
“It’s been great because of that reason,” McCarthy told TheWolverine.com of the charitable aspect of NIL. “And it also gives us athletes no excuse to be able to perform at our best, because we have so many opportunities now to be at our optimal performance.”
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Michigan is taking a unique approach in its public messaging regarding NIL, with head coach Jim Harbaugh saying the Wolverines will provide a “transformational, not transactional” experience. He’s all for current players making money — by the books, of course — and following the NCAA’s guidelines.
“Everything about it has been great,” McCarthy said. “It was shaky at first with all the rules and regulations about that. It’s like the Wild, Wild West out there, but Michigan is doing it the right way. Coach Harbaugh is approaching it the right way and I’m loving it, honestly.”
The Wolverines have vowed to make sure recruits aren’t paid to sign with Michigan. That runs in contrast to what’s going on at other schools across the country. Some fans have recoiled at the idea, saying Michigan will “fall behind” on the recruiting trail, but McCarthy explained why he sees it as a positive.
“Transformational, not transactional, because that’s what it is,” the Michigan quarterback said. “Yeah, it’s great, it’s a great opportunity to earn some extra money and all that, but at the end of the day it’s going to be chump change compared to where you really want to go. The league is going to be what we’re searching for, and a lot of people, you go to a school and get paid millions of dollars [for signing], and they get fooled and they get complacent.
“But when it’s Michigan, it’s all about the transformative experience. It’s about developing and growing as an individual, and the money is a byproduct of you growing as an individual.”
J.J. McCarthy, Ronnie Bell, Ryan Hayes connect with Michigan fans at ‘Wolverine Weekend’
McCarthy, graduate wide receiver Ronnie Bell and grad left tackle Ryan Hayes hosted ‘Wolverine Weekend’ at Grand Traverse Resort June 18. The Wolverines hung out with fans who participated in a four-man scramble golf outing and attended a dinner and meet and greet.
“It’s awesome any time you get to just engage with the fans and build new relationships,” McCarthy said at the event. “Being here has been awesome. It’s really cool to see the courses; it’s making me itch to get out there and get playing. But I love the hospitality; everyone has been so great here. The state of Michigan, I’m loving it more and more.”
It’s because of the people, McCarthy explained. The pandemic ruined his ability to connect with fans face to face during his last year as a recruit, and even in 2021 the Michigan team was a bit sheltered.
“It’s always different when you’re face to face with [fans], because those are the genuine relationships that you can build, not just over social media and just indirectly,” McCarthy said. “So it’s been awesome to build those direct relationships.”
