Not all former football players become famous, but the ones who do are famous because of their hard work, passion, love for the game, and dedication to go one more lap that the others don’t. But what if someone is using your name and fame to earn bucks without your notice? What? Can something like this happen in 2024? Yes!

Four former stars of the Michigan team are suing the NCAA in federal court for $50 million for violating state laws concerning rights to one’s image, name, and/or likeness (NIL).  The first player among the four is Denard Robinson, who played for Michigan between 2009 and 2012. He was probably one of the most electrifying college football players that were in the field at the time and his name can be heard to this date in the world of football. Another well-known player to have played for the University of Michigan and who is suing the NCAA is Braylon Edwards. He was a wide receiver for the Wolverines. 

The last two players are Michael Martin, an important defensive player and Shawn Crable, a defensive player. Together, they are struggling for their rights, which they think belong to them, and their claim may revolutionize the college sports environment. Their suit is being filed at a time when the NCAA is under increasing pressure to pay the athletes for their NIL. Their lawyer, James Acho, was rather direct when he said, “To deny players the right to use their name to make money is not only wrong but unlawful.” NCAA has recently agreed to a $2.8 billion settlement in another NIL case, and the Michigan players are not backing down. 

Why are these players dragging the NCAA to court?

The players, per the lawsuit, have had quite an exhausting experience of the exploitation of their images for commercial use by the NCAA while they were paid nothing for this. Denard Robinson was a popular figure during his tenure with Michigan and scored accordingly with his awesome rushes. Still, that fame never translated into any monetary gain for him from the NCAA using his persona in numerous commercials and video games. Now, he’s looking to change that.

Braylon Edwards is a famous player who has some fantastic catches and has dominated the field. also found his image being used for years without any reimbursement. To Edwards and the others, it’s not about the money, but it is about the fairness of the play. Often, the NCAA reaps a lot of monetary benefits from the student-athletes, most of whom will not get any financial fortunes from the success they create. In essence; Edwards, Martin, and Crable are all in it to have a piece of the cake that they helped to bake.

Their lawyer, James Acho, believes the case is a no-brainer. “Michigan football is arguably the most iconic or most recognizable brand in college sports,” Acho said. He goes further to explain that it is wrong for players such as Robinson, Edwards, Martin, or Crable to be denied the right to capital from their image. It’s not about getting paid; it’s about the wrongs the players suffered and endured over the years—it’s about making sure that future athletes don’t experience the same kind of thing.