The Miami Hurricanes have their biggest season opener in a generation when they play Alabama at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on September 4. Miami quarterback D’Eriq King appeared on Stephen A’s World with eponymous host Stephen A. Smith on ESPN earlier this week to discuss multiple topics.
King elaborated on his opportunities using his own name, image and likeness and the Hurricanes season opener against the Crimson Tide. With King and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee in their second season, the Miami Hurricanes offense can continue to develop and have a big season.
King signed a contract this summer with the Florida Panthers to partner with them using his name, image and likeness to promote the franchise. Smith asked King how the partnership between the Hurricanes’ biggest star and South Florida’s NHL team. King has been at the forefront of signing NIL deals.
King was the Miami Hurricanes leader on and off the field in 2020. Since players have been able to make deals using their own NIL, King has been a leader for college athletes securing deals and helping his teammates. King told Smith he watched hockey growing up in Houston as a fan of the Houston Aeros of the AHL.
"“They’re the same in the same city I am and they have you know reached out uh they wanted to endorse those college athletes and you know my team got in touch with their team and we just made it happen I’m super excited to be a part of the organization…I am a hockey fan you know me and my older brother we grew up watching hockey I’m from Houston Texas…Houston Aeros…we just watch their games all the time you know on tv and so you know when the Florida Panthers opportunity came you know i jumped on it so i love watching hockey..reminds me of football so that’s why I like it.”"
Smith asked King to elaborate on the opportunity collegiate athletes currently have to use their own name, image and likeness to earn money. It was not until July 1 that players were allowed to financially gain from their own NIL. Less than two months old, NIL will continue to evolve as athletes learn how to benefit financially.
Florida Panthers sign UM QB D'Eriq King to NIL deal to appear at games, promote their product. First such deal in college sports history, with active college athlete paid by pro team
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 9, 2021
"“I think it’s…should have been done years and years ago. I don’t think it’d make any sense for you know college athletes to not make any money off their name so you know when July 1 came and we got the opportunity to start doing new things i was super excited um not just for myself but my whole team.All the college athletes across the world…I think it’s a great deal I’m super excited for it.”"
The Miami football program will feel the impact that King has had on their program well after his last game this season. Head coach Manny Diaz has stated that King has changed the culture for Miami in the QB room. Backups Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia will learn from King before completing to be the starting QB in 2022.
The understanding King has of promoting himself using NIL should impact current and future collegiate athletes. There is speculation what position King will play as a professional. King is proving he has a bright future well beyond playing football. As an alum King should always have an impact on the Miami football program.