$1 Million-Rich From NIL, Sam Hurley Reveals Strategy To Balance His Sports and Brand Deals

Sam Hurley, the Texas high jumper, has been staunch in remaining true to his domain. With multiple podium finishes and the all-time performer list later, the athlete has rather come to be known for his social media presence. The factor weighed in when Hurley was named one of the most marketable college track athletes in the nation and he was just a sophomore. In a recent press conference, the track star reveals how he has managed to navigate through the responsibility. 

Reports last year suggested that Sam Hurley had accumulated about 20 brands to promote his name. The number brought the athlete’s NIL earnings to a whole $1 million. It was learning to limit deal numbers and knowing which ones to choose. Hurley reveals how he managed to slide through the challenge.

Focusing on mutual respect is the formula for Sam Hurley

In a talk presented by C4 Energy Drink, Hurley was asked if adorning multiple roles to attain the height had placed too much pressure. But luckily for the high jumper, his team and know-how have made the process easier. “You know, you don’t want to have so many brands and so many people that you just don’t have any influence on, because you’re just like kind of selling out,” he shared in the press conference. 

Managing college, sports, and media with emphasized influence can take a toll, with a minor misstep. Thus, committing to brands that hold mutual value and respect has become an integral criterion for Sam Hurley. “I’ve really only worked with certain brands and certain times that not only align with me and my schedule, but with my team, and then we don’t ever make it too much. You know, that’s something that I’ve learned [my] yourself,” he adds. 

While NIL deals have brought him much fame, Sam Hurley believes he is an athlete first. The drive to prove himself has also helped him remain aware of the path he is walking and not blindly chase the money. “You can chase like, money when you run out of money and just go for it and you’ll be You’ll be busy, and you’ll be stressed and whatever. But at the end of the day, it’s just someone else. You know, that’s what you want to do that make money but trying to take a different route,” he remarks in the press conference. Staying on par with his stance, Hurley has ensured to prioritize his game at any given opportunity.

Hurley has his sights set beyond NIL

During the 2023 NCAA championship, Hurley put off his NIL features to focus on his competitions. The athlete was one of the 24 high jumpers on the collegiate level to take the stage. On the road, the sophomore had attained success, becoming the Arkansas decathlon champion. Further clearing 7 feet on pole vault at both the Texas Relays and the USF Bulls Invitational.

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“I’m an athlete first,” Hurley had previously stated. Thus, going forward, he affirms that the Olympic stage isn’t a far-fetched thought. While Paris 2024 might frame his initial goal, his whole focus lies on Los Angeles 2028. What started as a fun trial of YouTube videos has led Sam Hurley to learn, realize, and remain firm.

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