J.R. Smith is continuing to set the bar as a former pro athlete turned student athlete, and we love to see it.
The ex-NBA player has signed with Excel Sports for NIL representation. It’s the first such deal for a high-profile former professional, ESPN reports.
Smith, now a freshman golfer at North Carolina A&T, is receiving significant NIL interest from video game companies and golfing equipment manufacturers that could earn him well into the six figures, according to the report. Under the new NCAA rule, his deal with Excel will allow him to cash in on the endorsement opportunities his name, image and likeness provide.
Welcome to the Excel family, @TheRealJRSmith!
The North Carolina A&T State University golfer has signed with Excel for NIL representation.
He also just happens to be a 2x NBA Champion 🏆🏆 #exceling pic.twitter.com/MJRO30JY5q
— excel sports (@excelsm) January 28, 2022
Smith, 36, won two titles and a Sixth Man of the Year award during a 16-year career in the NBA, with the 2019-20 season being his last. Though he expressed interest in suiting up again amid the wave of COVID-related absences in the league this winter, Smith has enjoyed a successful transition into life as a Div. I student-athlete at North Carolina A&T, an HBCU in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Chronicling everything from midterms to his first GHOE (Greatest Homecoming on Earth) to a 4.0 first semester and, of course, the golfing, Smith has built a significant audience on social media. He has nearly seven million followers between Instagram and Twitter.
Grades are in! 4.0 ✅ 🤲🏾😊🥳🎁⛳️ I’m going FU$&@ing NUTTTTTSSSSSS!!! pic.twitter.com/kGnknVEiIq
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) December 14, 2021
During his NBA career, Smith made over $90 million in salary. Now, he’ll be able to cash in on the interest his post-NBA journey has garnered. As a student, there are still limitations on what and how he can endorse, but the opportunities should be endless for someone as recognizable as he is.
