Will Ulmer does not have to hide any longer.
Marshall’s offensive lineman, who is all 6 feet 4 and 300 lbs, unleashed a whole year’s worth energy in his first performance on stage since the outbreak. He played guitar and sang songs in his Kentucky baritone to a small crowd outside of a Huntington ice-cream shop.
Ulmer spent an entire hour singing and writing country songs, with his keychain attached to a belt loop. He also had a can of tobacco in his back pocket.
He also used his real name this time.
Since July 1, dozens of deals large and small have been made across the country by athletes who were allowed to receive compensation for their celebrity and fame. While endorsements and sponsorships are most popular, Ulmer and other athletes now have the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and make some extra money.
Ulmer’s ability to perform his music at gigs while not hiding his identity as “Lucky Bill” has meant that he can play his music without having to use the pseudonym of “Lucky Bill.” Lexi Sun, a Nebraska volleyball player, has been able design sports apparel. Ra-Sun Kazadi is a defensive back at SMU. It means he can make money from his art.
Ulmer stated that college athletes have not had many opportunities to make a living. “I believe this is a great opportunity for me. It’s not about the money.
Kazadi, like Ulmer, sees his art as an extension and extension of him. His works are a wide-ranging assortment that includes paintings of athletes, civil rights leaders, Egyptian Queen Nefertiti and the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Zendaya, an Emmy-winning singer and actress, is one of his digital works.
Kazadi, a junior, goes by Ra and has been painting since high school. Some of the works are humorous and enjoyable. Some works were created to relieve stress. Some reflect his life at a particular time. He also manages a separate non-profit organization to promote community conflict resolution and social justice.
Kazadi stated, “My art is mine.” I hope people will see it and feel the same way. They can see my thoughts and feelings. My art communicates a lot of the things I don’t want to say.
Before the NCAA change earlier this summer, Kazadi wasn’t allow to connect his face to his work. The Texas law that allows students to make money off their image, name or likeness was introduced last month. Kazadi sold art on his website.
He’s also showcasing his work at art shows, landed a sponsorship-mentorship deal with a custom art company, is working with real estate companies and interior designers, and there’s been greater curiosity from high schools seeking to have him paint murals on their campuses.
Kazadi is considering hiring someone to assist him after the post-NIL interest was so strong.
He said, “It’s certainly helped me navigate and help me believe that it is possible.”
Sun wanted her deal with volleyball apparel company Ren Athletics to allow her personality and style to shine through in the launch of her clothing line — a black sweatshirt with her name and a golden outline of the sun’s rays.
Sun stated, “They gave me an open canvas to create what I wanted. I was just so excited about that freedom.”
It was quickly sold out. Natalie Hagglund, spokesperson for the company, stated that the Sunny Crew shirt was the most popular promotion in the company’s almost 10 year history. She also indicated that Sun products are being considered.
Sun also struck an endorsement deal with Nebraska-based jeweler Borsheims. Sun is currently pursuing a master’s in advertising and public relations. She said that she has learned some business skills.
She said that she believes the greatest thing is the ability to interact with business people and make deals.
Nebraska is one of many schools that have formal NIL programs. Many also have arrangements with companies to connect athletes with different brands. Many business schools have helped athletes tap into this new market. Indiana recently posted a NIL directory of all Hoosier athletes. Jordon Rooney, the first Division I personal branding coach, was hired at Duquesne.
Back at Marshall, Ulmer’s teammate, defensive lineman Kyron Taylor, started Foreigner Clothing LLC last year. He said that the line, which includes sweatshirts and T-shirts, features a scorpion. This is Taylor’s astrological sign, and also represents the “new” life his father received when he arrived in the United States from the Caribbean.
Taylor uses other athletes as brand ambassadors on social media. Although everything is still small-scale, Taylor is always generating new ideas. According to Taylor, sales average about one per week. He ships orders from his home. This is one advantage of living alone: no complaints from other roommates about inventory tripping.
He said, “I live alone so I can store for my brand.”
