Michigan's Rose Bowl Hero Wilson Signs Crocs NIL Deal
While his on-field heroics were in team-issued Jordan Brand cleats, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson will be preparing for the College Football Playoff National Championship in another footwear brand off the field, thanks to a new NIL partnership.
Prior to etching his name in Michigan history with a dramatic touchdown catch to force overtime in Monday's Rose Bowl, Wilson announced a NIL deal with Crocs to showcase their new styles at DICK'S Sporting Goods.
Wilson shared the news on Instagram and provided context as to why the collaboration was a such a good fit.
"Anyone that knows me knows there’s not a day that goes by where I’m not wearing my Crocs. To and from class, practice, on away trips, or putting em in sport mode when taking Crocs out for walks. That’s why I’m so hyped to partner with Crocs and DICK'S Sporting Goods to share my favorite styles with you."
Coordinated by NIL platform Postgame, Wilson's partnership was personal for him and his agency, Athletes+ Management. Agency founder Matt Knox shared the excitement on Instagram. "Two years of outreach, conversations, and follow ups, we finally got Roman Wilson a partnership with his favorite brand, Crocs."
"Timing is everything," Postgame Co-Founder Bill Jula added. "This is a perfect example of what we tell our brand partners - which is to plan ahead and consider the players and teams most likely to be in the spotlight- and more importantly, be prepared to capitalize on the elevated moment(s) when they happen. Crocs and DSG did just that."
Wilson's additional NIL partners include Accelerator Active Energy, Fortnite, Drip House Coffee, Aloha United Way, among others.
"All credit to Roman for being so proactive off the field," Knox shared. "He understands social media through such a unique lens and it’s allowed him to build a strong personal brand beyond the field. Pair that with his success on the field it’s a no brainer for brands to want to align with him."
In Monday's Rose Bowl, the No. 1-ranked Wolverines were down seven points to Alabama with under five minutes left, when Wilson and the Michigan offense drove 75 yards for the game-timing score. Wilson made two dramatic catches on the drive, including a season-defining 29-yard catch off a tipped ball that set up his 4-yard walk into the endzone.
After winning 27-20 in overtime, Wilson and Michigan next face No. 2 Washington in the National Championship on January 8 in Houston.
