Jackson State star quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to add to his NIL bag. His latest coming from Gatorade, making him the first HBCU athlete to sign with the sports performance drink giant.
Sanders and with his dad, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, have taken HBCU football by storm over the past year. He had this to say in a video announcing the landmark deal:
Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders has signed a multiyear NIL deal with Gatorade, per @NickDePaula
Sanders is the first HBCU athlete to sign with Gatorade š pic.twitter.com/obiqmgNMfR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2022
āI am a leader. I forged my own path and paved the way for others. Being a student-athlete is a priority. From the classroom to the game field. When I chose to attend an HBCU, I knew I had a responsibility. Thatās to win. In just year 1, Iām a SWAC champion, and Iām the first ever HBCU player to win the Jerry Rice Award.
Being the first HBCU athlete to sign an NIL deal with Gatorade ā thatās legendary. Iām excited to represent the brand. The work has just begun.ā
BREAKING: Shedeur Sanders has signed an NIL deal with Gatorade.
The Jackson State QB and son of Deion Sanders becomes Gatorade's first-ever HBCU athlete and second NIL signing. pic.twitter.com/PLkVCBrAXp
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 27, 2022
In his freshman season, Sanders led the Tigers to their first 11-win season in school history, their first SWAC title in 14 seasons (since 2007) and their inaugural trip to the Celebration Bowl.
In 13 games, Sanders was magnificent. He completed 272 of 413 passes for 3,231 yards, 30 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He also used his legs to touch paydirt three times. His 65.9 completion percentage was tops in the SWAC and one of the highest marks in all of FCS.
Shedeur Also Landed NIL Deals With Beats By Dre And Tom Brady Apparel
In September the strong-armed signal caller signed an NIL deal with Beats by Dre. He became the brandās first college ambassador.
https://twitter.com/ShedeurSanders/status/1433097485518577678?s=20&t=74AFaGWD0iCYsqRoLUejew
Sanders wasnāt done. In December he landed a deal with Brady Brand Apparel, Tom Bradyās new clothing and performance-wear line.
Tom Brady And Brady Brand Hop On HBCU Bandwagon | Sign Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders To NIL Deal
Prior to his senior season in high school. Sanders was able to be worked out by the guy known as the GOAT. The relationship has developed via Coach Prime and the respect and admiration he and Brady have for each other is mutual.
Tom Brady and Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, put some work in on Saturday.
Sanders is an ESPN four-star QB entering his senior season at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas.
(via @ShedeurSanders, @Striving4_ALott) pic.twitter.com/Ynui7iMO7H
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 14, 2020
Season Didnāt End With A Celebration Bowl Win, But Sanders And JSU Will Be Even Better Next Season
Following their record-setting season, the Tigers were beaten thoroughly (31-10) by the South Carolina State Bulldogs in the Celebration Bowl.
The loss humbled the JSU coaches, players and fans. With no time to sulk, Coach Prime went right back to work. During the early signing period he landed the nationās No. 1-ranked recruit, Travis Hunter.
He wasnāt done, adding the nationās No. 4 receiver in Kevin Coleman during the All-America Game. Add in 13 transfers, and the Tigers are positioned to dominate the SWAC for years to come.
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