Ain’t no way around it — NIL money is different. Life-changing. And if you need proof, just take a look at Florida Gators‘ own DJ Lagway. The Gators’ rising star isn’t just balling on the field — he’s stacking NIL checks like a Wall Street exec flaunting 5-figure luxury flex with NIL goods. But before you get it twisted, he’s not out here just throwing money around like a rookie in Vegas. Nah, The Florida Gators QB1 got a plan for the future, and it’s bigger than just flashing cash.

On March 4, Lagway sat down with Robert Griffin III and Grete Griffin on their ‘Outta Pocket With RGIII’ podcast, and the convo went straight into the deep end — college football, NIL, and what comes next. When RGIII, who never saw a dime from NIL in his playing days, asked about Lagway’s experience with the money, the Florida QB didn’t hold back. “It’s been a blessing, you know, from God himself, you know, just to be able to take care of my family for this short time, you know, and being able to take care of myself as well.” That’s a real answer right there — no fluff, no cap. But the curious host had more questions.

“What’s the first purchase you made when you got that first big lump some NIL chequroni (Cheque)?” the former Heisman asked DJ Lagway, who chuckled before humbly flexing his 5-figure luxury splash, “I think, I bought about a car.” RGIII needed details. “What? You got a—what? What kind?… but what car did you buy?” DJ Lagway finally let it out:“Mercedes. A little C-Class… It was nice. It was about $30,000.” Not a G-Wagon. Not a Maybach. A C-Class. Humble flex.

With an NIL valuation sitting at $3.8 million, Lagway’s marketability is elite. He ain’t just throwing footballs — he’s in commercials with Michael Jordan. That’s right. One of his biggest NIL deals is with Gatorade, alongside the GOAT himself. He’s also partnered with Nintendo and Epic Games, proving his appeal stretches way beyond the field. He’s playing chess, not checkers.

But Lagway ain’t getting comfortable. He made that crystal clear when he spoke on his future. “And, you know, it’s [NIL] a dream come true, you know, but it’s not the end goal, you know. The end goal is the NFL, and this is just short-term money, and it’s a blessing, right? The goal is the NFL.” That’s the mindset of a QB who’s already looking past the bag and straight to the league. Straight, franchise QB mentality. NIL is nice, but the pros? That’s where the real checks start rolling in. And if 2024 was any signs, Lagway’s got all the tools to get there and also win Heisman along the way.

DJ Lagway showing big-time love for Florida’s “best” O-line

While most QBs would use an interview like this to hype up their own game, DJ Lagway took a different route. When RGIII asked him who was about to break out for Florida in 2025, he didn’t drop a star receiver’s name or gas up his own skills. Instead, he gave all the love to the big dogs in the trenches.“I say the O-line. We got everybody coming back. I think the O-line is going to be the best in America,” Lagway said. “Everybody is coming back. I think we’re just missing one but everybody else is returners. It’s going to click right away. I’m excited. It’s going to be good.”

That’s a leader move right there. Florida’s O-line was no joke in 2024. They allowed just 20 sacks all season — the third-least in the SEC. That’s a wild turnaround from 2023, when they gave up 39. And let’s be real: if Lagway hadn’t gone down with that hamstring injury, the numbers might’ve been even cleaner. One name Lagway made sure to highlight? Center Jake Slaughter. “Jake Slaughter, our center. He was an All-American this year. He’s a great guy.”

And he ain’t lying. Slaughter started all 13 games, led the squad in PFF offense, pass block, and run block grades, and earned himself a First-Team AP All-American nod. That’s the kind of dude you want snapping you the ball. With four of their five starting linemen returning, plus some promising freshmen coming in, the Gators’ O-line is about to be a problem for defenses. And with Lagway healthy and locked in, Florida’s offense is looking scary.

So, DJ Lagway ain’t just here for the NIL money. He’s here to make history.