When done as it was originally intended, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is an awesome addition to college athletics.
The financial opportunities that NIL provides for student-athletes is certainly well-deserved—although the pay-for-play system that has risen due to poor management from the NCAA is perhaps one of the biggest issues that we are seeing in college football today.
Every now and again, though, we see something that truly encapsulates the true spirit behind NIL, like Jared Casey’s Applebee’s Commercial and then another ad with his quarterback, Jalon Daniels.
Over the weekend, we got another terrific example of NIL in the sport, and once again, a Kansas football player was at the center of it.
Jayhawks’ wide receiver Luke Grimm took advantage of his awesome namesake and created a “Grimm Reaper” t-shirt that is already selling like hotcakes.
With a last name like “Grimm,” you almost have to incorporate the Grim Reaper into your persona. The shirt—which is a limited edition— looks incredible and can be purchased for $40 at this link. For Kansas football fans, this feels like a no-brainer purchase, right?
Grimm is part of an experienced group of wideouts who are set to return for the Jayhawks in 2024. He ranked second on the team with 33 receptions, third with 555 receiving yards, and tied for the team lead with six receiving touchdowns.
In a 49-36 win over UNLV in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Grimm turned in a career day, recording for receptions for 160 yards (40.0 avg) for three touchdowns, with a long of 60 yards.
Alongside Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner, the Jayhawks’ top trio of returning targets gives Jalon Daniels all the familiarity he needs to be successful this season.
Kansas currently has the third-best odds (+750, per FanDuel) to win the Big 12, and according to ESPN’s FPI, has the best odds of winning a national title of any Big 12 school (1.1%). Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks will kick off their 2024 season on Thursday, August 29, at Children’s Mercy Park (Kansas City) against Lindenwood. Kick time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT, with coverage on ESPN+.
