Sharpie Enters NIL Space with Former Washington Stars Penix Jr. and Odunze
As two of the top NIL earners in the college space head to the NFL, they have a new partnership ready to go. Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze, two expected first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, have signed partnered with Sharpie.
Penix has an NIL valuation of $1.5 million, according to On3. He was No. 12 in the NIL 100 and No. 9 in the College Football NIL rankings. On3 says Odunze has a valuation of $644,000, ranking No. 85 in the NIL 100 and No. 62 in college football.
It's an exciting time for the two Washington Huskies stars and Sharpie jumps on board early as they get ready for the NFL Draft. Gina Lazaro had the following to say about the partnership:
"Michael and Rome are about to have new, blank canvases at their fingertips, and we are excited to be part of their journey into the professional ranks."
The release writes that Sharpie will provide them with writing products they need to sign their first professional contract. Penix and Odunze will use the Sharpie S-Gel pens, which Sharpie says leaves no smear and has other features.
Penix, being a lefty, said that he had struggled at times to find a pen that he could rely on to be smear-free. This allows him to use just that.
"Being a left-handed quarterback also means I'm a left-handed writer. And just like my fellow lefty writers out there, I am no stranger to the woes of smearing ink and smudge marks on everything I write or sign,"
After playing in the National Championship, they'll look to continue their legacies in the professional ranks.
