Washington star Michael Penix Jr. made headlines this week. The Huskies’ quarterback, who signed an exclusive multi-year NIL deal with Panini America last month, has signed another massive NIL deal ahead of his team’s matchup against Oregon next Saturday. Penix reportedly signed with the lifestyle brand and sneaker giant, Adidas.
Along with wide receiver Rome Oduzne, Penix became two of the brand’s first football student-athletes. Washington, which is an Adidas school, now has two of its top players as the first brand ambassadors for the apparel and footwear corporation, in all of college football.
“I couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with the Adidas family, I’ve been in the three stripes my entire college career and their support has meant a lot to me. I’m excited about this unique opportunity to help further the brand and I’m appreciative of their investment in my university, my teammates, and myself,” Penix said in a statement. “Adidas has shown that they’re committed to student-athletes across the country and I’m thankful to be a part of their commitment.”
Penix, who is a Heisman Trophy candidate, and could very well be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is off to a hot start this season. In just five games, he’s completed 133 of 178 passes (74.7 percent) for 1,999 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Last season, the Indiana transfer was the FBS leader in passing yards per game (357.0) and was named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year and placed on the All-Pac-12 Second Team.
[Adidas]