The fruitfulness of name, image, and likeness (NIL) has reached a new level. Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders bought offensive tackle Jordan Seaton a Maybach as a reward for his performance this season.
"He protect the backside so he had to get the 'bach [Maybach]," Sanders said in a video posted on X.
Seaton has emerged as Colorado's top offensive lineman this season and has started in all seven games this season at left tackle. Out of 39 pass-blocking snaps, Seaton didn't allow one hurry, pressure, or sack. As a result, the freshman earned an 87.6 grade from PFF.
Sanders became the first college player to sign with Nike. The Buffs quarterback also has NIL deals with Beats by Dre, Google, and 5340 Alliance. Based on several projections, Sanders earns the most money out of any college player.
Sanders is estimated to earn over $5 million in 2024. Sanders' teammate, Travis Hunter, is ranked third with an estimated $3.1 million valuation.
The two Colorado players have reaped the benefits of NIL but recently were notified that the team wouldn't be playing for the conference title.
Colorado won't be playing in the Big 12 championship game after finishing the regular season in a four-way tie for first place in the conference. The losses to Kansas and Kansas State cost the Buffs their appearance in the conference title game.
Arizona State and Iowa State will play for the Big 12 title on Dec. 7 in Arlington, Texas. Both Arizona State and Colorado were once lowly teams in the Pac-12, but have since emerged as football powerhouses.
Now Colorado will likely play in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Antonio. While Sanders and company won't be competing for the title, Sanders was added more hardware to this trophy case after it was announced he won the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
The award is given annually to the nation's top quarterback. Sanders will likely be the top draft-eligible quarterback in the NFL draft.
In 2024, Sanders completed 73.4 percent of his passes for 3,488 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also added four rushing touchdowns.
Sanders is poised to be the first quarterback off the board in the 2025 NFL draft, but the quarterback believes he would've been the first pick in the last draft as well.
"I think I was the best quarterback in the last draft, too," Sanders said.
Other quarterbacks joining Sanders in the 2025 class include Miami's Cam Ward, Georgia's Carson Beck, and Alabama's Jalen Milroe.
For more on the Colorado Buffaloes, head to Newsweek Sports.
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