As the Name Image and Likeness era continues to get underway in the college athletics landscape, four Penn State football players — linebacker Abdul Carter, quarterback Drew Allar, corner Kalen King and offensive tackle Olu Fashanu — will be seen driving through State College with sponsored Tesla sedans, according to a press release.
The quartet of players recently signed NIL deal with Inch & Co., a Pennsylvania-based construction and development company. “This isn’t just an advertising opportunity, it’s an investment opportunity.” Cambria Bailey, Marketing Director of Inch & Co said. Inch & Co has developed a handful of apartment communities in Pennsylvania, although none can be found in Centre County.
Each player received a Tesla with the Inch & Co. logo splashed on the side of each vehicle, which they will own for one year as part of the NIL deal.
When asked by one of the players fathers, “So, why are you investing in my son?”, Johnny Inch, Jr., one of the owners of Inch & Co. said in the press release, “We believe in him, and our hope is that one day he will invest back in us.”
“My objective is to make sure I protect the 800-plus student-athletes,” Penn State Director of Athletics Pat Kraft said last week. “Tax implications. What does it mean when you put your name on stuff? That’s where now we’re getting to the point I’m going to give you every opportunity to be successful in NIL. Some run with it. Some don’t. Some don’t want to run with it, but I’m going to give you every opportunity. Let’s make sure we’re doing the right things and understanding your brand.”
“I feel like we’re really in a good spot. I don’t lose as much sleep over that anymore. Do we have to get better? Yes. This is here to stay. This is part of the world we’re living in.”
