PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – Former NFL cornerback Sean Springs offers a sharp perspective on the rapidly evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports. He sees both the opportunities and the challenges that come with it.
A 13-year NFL veteran and Ohio State alum, Springs views NIL as more than just a paycheck. It is about athletes leveraging their personal brand. While high-profile names like Deion Sanders’ son and USC’s Juju Watkins are landing major endorsement deals, NIL is not a guaranteed payday for everyone.
One of the biggest challenges, according to Springs, is financial literacy. “You’re putting hundreds of thousands of dollars in a kid’s hands who has never been taught how to manage money,” he explains.
NIL has also transformed college recruiting. Springs calls it “free agency” for student-athletes, with universities now competing through compensation packages and top-tier facilities, not just athletic programs and academics.
Looking ahead, he predicts schools will start treating athletes more like employees, offering baseline payments across all sports while top players capitalize on additional opportunities. His advice? Focus on building a strong personal brand and staying educated, because NIL can quickly become a distraction if not handled wisely.
With schools like Pitt rolling out structured athlete compensation models, NIL is still taking shape and redefining college athletics in the process.