According to Forbes, Adidas has signed two black players who play for the Washington Huskies, Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze. They are also the brand’s first two collegiate football players. According to the agreement, the two players will take part in brand marketing initiatives.
Penix Jr. acknowledged his joy over the deal, saying it meant a lot to him, in a statement.
“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,” said Penix Jr. “Adidas has shown that they’re committed to student-athletes across the country and I’m thankful to be a part of their commitment.”
“It’s an honor to be joining the Adidas family as one of the brand’s first football NIL athletes,” said Rome Odunze. “Adidas is committed to empowering me to shape my brand and my future, and I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
Penix, a Huskies quarterback, had 16 touchdowns and 1,999 throwing yards in his first five games, according to Forbes. He not only led the league in passing yards per game the previous season, but he was also voted Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year. Furthermore, he was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team.
Odunze, on the other hand, helped lead the Pac-12 in receiving yards (1,145) last season. He was also named to the Pac-12 First Team. This earned him a spot on the AP’s Pre-Season All-America First Team, among other honors.
Adidas has been a partner of the University of Washington since 2019. Furthermore, “all athletes at Washington are also able to participate in the brand’s larger NIL network, which launched in July 2022 as a first-of-its-kind program aimed at creating a more equitable future in sports,” according to the publication.
“Michael and Rome are two of the most promising young athletes in the country right now, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our impressive roster,” Adidas North America president Rupert Campbell said. “The U.S. has the most exciting collegiate fan and student-athlete base in the world, and we’re proud to be doubling down in sports here—including our investment in NIL and university partners to assert our position as the leading sports brand in the college sports space.”