Miami football roster endorsement deals from MMA team can change future

All 90 players on the Miami football roster have been offered $6000 per year, an average of $500 per month to endorse the MMA firm, American Top Team. The entire commitment by American Top Team if every Hurricanes football player accepted would be for $540,000 for the entire program.

It seems unlikely that every Miami football player will accept the offer. The potential project can be a milestone deal to allow athletes to seek their own deals using their Name, Image and Likeness. American Top Team represents the number seven UFC Welterweight and Miami legend Jorge Masvidal.

According to the Miami Herald a marketing agency with the Miami athletic department in mind, Bring Back the U was created by American Top Team founder Dan Lambert. The goal with Bring Back the U is to connect business with Miami football players and NIL projects. Lambert belongs to the Golden Cane Society.

The Golden Canes are a high-level donor to the Miami athletic program. Lambert has a two-sided goal with the proposition to all of the Miami football players. He wants to promote his company and also help the Hurricanes. NIL legislation has the opportunity to further link fans and players. Lambert elaborated to the Miami Herald.

"“The NIL legislation is an amazing opportunity for businesses and fans to directly impact the lives of these players and the national reputation of our team…I originally planned to just enter into deals with a few players and then it hit me that there is a way bigger play here.With the right contacts, effort and financial commitment, we can reach every player and get this city firmly behind this team where it should be. We can BRING BACK THE U.”"

According to the Herald, former Miami defensive tackle Kendrick Norton will be the vice president of community outreach and recruit other businesses for NIL projects with Hurricanes players. Masvidal will also be an ambassador. A deal that impacts every player on the Miami football team can change the program’s future.

No other college football program has a deal in place that has been made public that compares to the one American Top Team is offering. This allows every player no matter what their standing is on the Miami football team to be able to profile off their NIL. Miami head coach Manny Diaz can use the deal in recruiting.

The Miami football program is in a position to be able to have recruiting benefit from their location in a global metropolitan area. Local players that have often played college football elsewhere might consider staying home more often because of the deal. Miami has to win games on the field to continue building momentum.