Former Ohio State QB, 2.9 million worth C.J. Stroud has tossed a game-changing philanthropic touchdown. The Houston Texans’ rookie QB has left a deep impact on the NFL community by evolving as a major donor for the NIL collective of his former team, Ohio State. To achieve platinum status, the QB’s generous donation is estimated to fall within the range of $50,000 to $100,000.

It was from the NIL collective he once benefited from that propelled Stroud to repay. This notable move positions Stroud as the first former student-athlete partner to contribute financially to the foundation. 

Stroud’s impactful gesture to Ohio State

“THE Foundation”, an Ohio State name, image and likeness (NIL) collective was founded by former national championship-winning QB Cardale Jones and real estate developer Briam Schottenstein. The body aims to empower men’s basketball and Ohio State football players mentored by Ryan Day by making use of the NIL opportunities and thereby transforming them into brand ambassadors. 

Stroud’s commitment to his former team, the Buckeyes, has contributed to the well-being of the team during a dynamic period. The timing of Stroud’s donation aligns with a promotional period when the team was upgrading its roster. Embracing the role as a “Platinum Donor”, Stroud supported the NIL collective directly impacting his alma mater.

Stroud stands as a trailblazer amidst the evolving NIL landscape

As the athletic department grapples with the dilemma regarding whether the donations should flow to the school or NIL collectives, Stroud’s philanthropic initiative has set an example for other athletes. In the meanwhile, NCAA is poised to undergo a revolutionary shift. The body now considering new rules that would permit schools to directly compensate college athletes.

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In this proposed plan, the schools would be allowed to enter into NIL deals directly with their student-athletes. Under the potential new system, colleges opting to participate would be required to invest a minimum of $30,000 annually into a trust fund for athletes. On top of that, the NIL landscape is undergoing a major shift as the proposal underscores a commitment to gender equality.

On the positive side, it suggests that the distributed funds should adhere to the framework of Title IX, to ensure equal distribution between male and female athletes. As a recent graduate and at a crucial juncture in the NIL landscape, Stroud’s move catalyzes redefining the growing influence of NIL collectives and contributing meaningfully to the programs that shape the careers of college athletes.   

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