Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei just became a prominent member of Fansville. The 2021 Heisman Trophy candidate signed a contract with Dr Pepper to appear in various versions of their Fansville commercials throughout the season.
The deal is Uiagalelei’s second NIL agreement since the practice became permissible in college sports this past July. He also has a partnership with Bojangles.
“For me, NIL has been a great opportunity to be able to work with brands, to be able to do stuff like this,” Uiagalelei said in an interview with ESPN.com. “If I was playing college football five years ago, I wouldn’t be able to do this. It’s a great opportunity for people now to be able to build off their brand, make money and work on different partnerships like Dr Pepper. I’m super excited about it.”
The agreement gives Dr Pepper access to one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in the sport. Uiagalelei filled in seamlessly when Trevor Lawrence missed a portion of the 2020 season. Most analysts expect Clemson to make it back to the College Football Playoff with their new starting quarterback.
“We’re thrilled to have DJ on board for one of Dr Pepper’s most exciting campaigns of the year,” Keurig Dr. Pepper CMO Andrew Springate said. “A universally loved Heisman Trophy contender who embodies true sportsmanship, DJ is exactly what fans deserve this season. He’s also the star of one of the most formidable college football teams in the NCAA whose faithful fans revel in longstanding traditions. This passion is the iconic embodiment of fandom and everything Dr Pepper ‘Fansville’ represents.”
This deal is the brand’s first partnership with a college athlete. Uiagalelei is the only college athlete utilized in the campaign which filmed commercials with the quarterback last month. Although, don’t expect to see him rocking the Clemson tiger paw logo. South Carolina NIL laws prohibit the use of institutional trademarks.