Last Updated on September 4, 2021
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a national franchise in the restaurant industry that holds over 50 locations across the United States, announced a new program “Walk-On of the Week” that will award name, image, and likeness deals to walk-on student athletes. The franchise hopes to expand their family of athletes with the new program; recipients will join the growing team of athletes alongside brand co-owner Drew Brees and franchisee Dak Prescott.
The program is intended to “highlight the real magic of sports – the underdog,” said Brandon Landry, founder and CEO of Walk-On’s. “Walk-On athletes endure the same grueling workouts as the scholarship players and in many cases, work jobs to help pay for school. With NIL changing the landscape of collegiate athletics, we want to make sure that walk-ons aren’t left out and receive the recognition and support they deserve. We’re grateful to tell their stories and welcome them to our family of athletes.”
Walk-On’s will partner with the athletes to share their underdog stories through the brand’s social media platforms. The brand plans to showcase the best stories from collegiate athletes across the nation from an array of sports and divisions, male and female athletes, with NIL deals awarded through the end of 2021. In return, student athletes will provide social media promotion, make appearances and engage in product promotion.
Grant Morgan, a former walk-on and All-American linebacker from Arkansas, will help kick off the program. “Sports would not be the same without underdogs and it’s truly special to have Walk-On’s share their stories.” said Morgan.
Matchpoint Connection has partnered with Walk-On’s to facilitate the athlete agreements associated with the “Walk-On of the Week.” To apply for the program, athletes must download the MatchPoint Connection app, connect with Walk-On’s and pitch their story.
It’s the second deal recently to focus on walk-ons, following Built Bar partnering with BYU walk-on football student athletes on deals that will pay their tuition.
Walk-On’s is one of the many franchises that are endorsing athletes through NIL deals. Milo’s Tea, Bojangles and Runza are a few of the other companies in the food space hopping on board with NIL.
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