© Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmer Fredette's Dream NIL Deal Would Have Been a 'Got Milk' Partnership
Jimmer Fredette would have earned himself a lot of money if NIL was allowed during his BYU career
In an interview with Hurrdat Sports, former BYU legend and college basketball phenomenon Jimmer Fredette revealed his dream NIL deal. "If there was NIL [back in 2011] I would be doing alright right now," Fredette joked. Fredette said his dream NIL partnership would have a partnership with the 'Got Milk' campaign. "I always wanted the 'Got Milk' right? I wanted the milk mustache cause I love milk. And I wanted that forever."
The 'Got Milk' campaign was invented by Jeff Goodby of Goodby Silverstein & Partners. It was one of the most recognizable ad campaigns of the 2000's and it featured famous celebrities like Elton John, Jessica Alba, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Anniston and many more. It also featured prominent athletes like Tom Brady, Shaq, Carmello Anthony, David Beckham, Albert Pujols, Reggie Bush, Serena Williams, Vince Carter, and many others.
If there's a single BYU athlete that would have benefitted the most from NIL, it's Jimmer Fredette. In 2011, Fredette captured the hearts of college basketball fans across the country with his exciting playing style. 'Jimmermania' and 'Jimmer Range' became common phrases during his fantastic senior season. That year, Jimmer led the country in scoring with 28.9 points per game and he averaged 3.4 threes per game. He was named the 2011 national player of the year.
Jimmer was so popular, that he probably would have landed national partnerships like the ones Iowa star Caitlyn Clark has landed with State Farm, Gatorade, Xfinity, and others. And he probably even could have even achieved his dream of being featured in a 'Got Milk' ad.
In the current landscape, college athletes are permitted to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. NIL compensation was not allowed by the NCAA until July of 2021. The spirit of NIL was supposed to allow athletes to be compensated for the personal brands they had developed during their college careers. In practice, NIL has not really been used for its intended purpose and has instead turned into pay-for-play.
Athletes like Caitlyn Clark are profiting from true NIL. Clark has become so popular that brands want to be associated with her name and likeness. Jimmer Fredette would have been one of those athletes that brands want to partner with.
