Beats by Dre named Jackson State freshman quarterback Shedeur Sanders as its first-ever collegiate athlete sponsor.
Sanders is not only the first college football player to sign an endorsement with Beats, but also the youngest promoter on the Beats on its already star-studded roster.
In a news release Wednesday, the company indicated that it planned to feature Sanders as part of a campaign that recognizes HBCU culture.
“I remember getting my first pair of Beats, so this feels full circle,” said Sanders in a statement. “I’m excited to be part of a brand that inspires and represents the culture in a positive way, and that’s exactly what I want to do with my career. It’s an honor to be the first college athlete on their roster, and I couldn’t have imagined a better partnership.”
Beats by Dre ranks among the most visible endorsers in the sports realm. Other notable athletes to endorse Beats include LeBron James, Odell Beckham Jr., and Serena Williams.
Welcome to the Beats family, @ShedeurSanders. This is the beginning of something legendary. pic.twitter.com/M0Cem3Tczn
— Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre) September 1, 2021
Also read: Can the NIL legislation even the playing field for HBCUs? Depends on who you ask
Sanders is just the latest Jackson State football player to take advantage of the recent NIL legislation.
Jackson State defensive end Antwan Owens made NCAA history in July when he became the first college athlete to agree to an endorsement deal with 3 Kings Grooming, a Black-owned hair product business.
Several other members of the team have also signed deals since.
Sanders’ father, Deion Sanders, recently inked a deal to co-star in Aflac commercials with Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
