Lifting the veil off NIL: How the Memphis Tigers really get it done
Memphis Tigers defensive back Quindell Johnson (15) celebrates after making a play during an NCAA football game against the Navy Midshipmen Sept. 10, 2022, in Annapolis, Md. Johnson, now a safety with the Chicago Bears, was in on the ground floor of Memphis’ NIL program. (Daniel Kucin Jr./AP file)
Right around the time Quindell Johnson left Memphis after the 2022 college football season, the Tigers’ NIL program was gaining momentum.
Money had started flowing. Paydays were getting bigger and bigger. Looking ahead, it should only get better.
In April 2024, FedEx Corp. made a five-year, $25 million commitment to the Tigers’ NIL fund — the NCAA-permissible way student-athletes can be paid. NIL stands for name, image and likeness.
It’s been a game-changer, and wow does Johnson wish he’d come around a little later.
“Whoo,” he said. “I thought about staying one more year. But I was like, ‘I’ve got to get out of there.’”
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Memphis Tigers Memphis Tigers Football Memphis Tigers Basketball NIL Laird Veatch Quindell Johnson Jacob Likes Subscriber Only Ed Scott Jeff CraneAre you enjoying your subscription?
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Tim Buckley
Tim is a veteran sportswriter who graduated from CBHS in Memphis and the University of Missouri. He previously covered LSU sports in Baton Rouge, and the University of Louisiana football and basketball for The Daily Advertiser/USA TODAY Network in Lafayette, the NBA’s Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, and West Texas State basketball for the Amarillo Globe News in Texas.
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