NIL

Pathway Sports sets sights on maximizing returns for players in college football video game space

Casey Schwab’s background doesn’t exactly scream “gamer.” A Wisconsin graduate with a law degree from Southern Cal, Schwab’s career has included stops at NFL Network, Fox and, eventually, the NFLPA, running business and legal affairs for NFL Players Inc. He followed all that by founding Altius Sports Partners in 2020 amid the advent of NIL. […]

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1 month ago

May 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Casey Schwab’s background doesn’t exactly scream “gamer.”

A Wisconsin graduate with a law degree from Southern Cal, Schwab’s career has included stops at NFL Network, Fox and, eventually, the NFLPA, running business and legal affairs for NFL Players Inc. He followed all that by founding Altius Sports Partners in 2020 amid the advent of NIL.

So, how and why, with a CV like that, is Schwab’s latest venture centered on, of all things, video games?

“There’s a lot of uncertainty [in the college space] around revenue sharing, the [House] settlement, employment status — or not employment status — collective bargaining,” he said. “But there’s not a lot of uncertainty around the commercial opportunities for college football players when it comes to video games.”

That clarity is why Schwab has moved on to a new venture — Pathway Sports and Entertainment.

Pathway’s business model is simple: The company aims to develop a video game group license for college football players by offering individual upfront payments of $1,500.

The real potential comes as those players signed on with Pathway could earn further compensation, should the group license subsequently be sold to a developer such as Electronic Arts, at which time players would receive no less than 70% of the net royalties.

So far, that pitch has been heard loud and clear.

Pathway has signed more than 2,700 players across the Power Four, just under half the total scholarship athletes at that level. That includes inking deals with at least 75% of the rosters at Alabama, Baylor, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin, SMU, Washington, Texas Tech and South Carolina, among others.

“It’s incumbent on us to perform,” said Eric Winston, president of Winners Alliance, the firm backing Pathway financially. “We’re not telling college players, ‘Hey, trust us,’ or ‘There’s a hope and a prayer and we’ll see what we can do.’ We’re out laying capital to these players so that they’re no worse off than the baseline — and we still believe that we can do multiples of that baseline better over time.”

The college football video game ecosystem exists in a relatively monopolistic state — opening the door for a disrupter such as Pathway.

EA, which declined to comment for this story when reached by Sports Business Journal, signed more than 11,000 athletes in relaunching its college football franchise last year via EA Sports College Football 25.

Those deals are technically individual and nonexclusive, though the majority of those athletes are also part of a group licensing agreement with OneTeam, which handles player payments and other responsibilities related to the game.

Pathway’s approach, albeit more aggressive, is essentially betting if it can sign enough players, developers would have to buy its group license in order to maintain a certain level of user experience.

After all, would the lone major college football video game sell to its maximum potential without half the players in the Power Four?

“There have been some headwinds,” Schwab conceded. “There’ve been some people who are confused by what we’re doing. There are some people who are challenged by what we’re doing. All of those are to be expected and, frankly, welcomed when you’re trying to disrupt and innovate and do something new.”

The announcement dropped like a hopeful hammer.

“For those who never stopped believing…” the post from EA Sports College’s X account read on Feb. 2, 2021, confirming the return of a college football video game.

While it was three more years before users had a downloadable game in front of them, EA Sports College Football 25 has since become the bestselling sports video game of all time, according to Circana (EA has not disclosed its exact sales figures).

“I was expecting it to debut as the biggest college football game in a launch month,” Mat Piscatella, Circana executive director, video games, told SBJ last year. “But I did not expect it to more than triple the lifetime dollar sales of the previous bestselling game [NCAA Football 07].”

For what massive success the revamped franchise has enjoyed after a decade-long hiatus, there has been ample consternation over athletes’ compensation related to their inclusion in the game.

The initial wave of onboarding real players into EA Sports College Football 25 — a significant shift from past iterations, given restrictions around NIL at the time — was done via a joint effort by EA, Learfield and OneTeam Partners.

Players were offered a flat payment of $600, regardless of position or school, along with a copy of the game for either PlayStation or Xbox. Cover athlete and “Ambassador” deals also were struck with a select number of athletes (terms of those deals have not been made public).

The issue Pathway intends to rectify: The upfront cash paid to players reflected neither their value to the game nor offered them a stake in how well it sold.

“Whether it‘s EA, whether it‘s whomever, we really think that we can bring value into a place that, quite frankly, players have not received it yet,” Winston said. “That just comes back to that core premise of why we’re doing this.”

Pathway’s efforts aren’t entirely novel, considering the machinations entailed in launching EA Sports College Football 25. But the backing behind Pathway, its key players and the group’s early returns are significant enough to merit notice.

The company’s three-person leadership team includes Schwab, former Georgia NIL collective frontman Matt Hibbs and Bob Philp, a longtime sports marketing executive most recently at CAA and Roc Nation. It also added Sami Robbins, who’d been managing college NIL partnerships at OneTeam, as its new director of college.

“Between myself, our investors and our operational team, we have quite literally decades of experience of structuring those deals, monetizing those deals, maximizing those deals for the athletes,” Schwab said.

In all, signing every scholarship player at the FBS level (134 schools) using Pathway’s $1,500 baseline could cost more than $17 million, or around $127,000 per school.

The company also is creating an activation program slated to feature up to 200 athletes for varying opportunities beyond the base payment.

Winners Alliance — an agency that has handled group licensing efforts in professional tennis and cricket and is headed up by OneTeam founding CEO Ahmad Nassar — is fronting the money to get Pathway off the ground. Winston declined to disclose how much is being invested, but it‘s understood enough capital has been poured in to pay players for multiple years.

Eventually, though, there will need to be a return on that investment.

Schwab told SBJ that Pathway’s profit plan centers on taking a cut of any deal that might be struck with potential game developers.

For example, Pathway and EA could hypothetically agree to a deal granting Pathway 10% of game sales in exchange for EA incorporating those players captured under the group license. If that game recorded $340 million in sales, Pathway would net $34 million, or double the rough investment it would take to sign all 11,000-plus FBS players.

Schwab noted at least 70% of the profit Pathway generates from a group license sale will go toward players. In this case, around $24 million of the theoretical $34 million agreement would be earmarked for athletes (about $2,100 per person) — $17 million toward the initial investments the company made in player signings, and roughly $7 million in new money. Pathway would then pocket the remaining $10 million.

“They have a value proposition for college players that is unique to anything else I‘ve seen in this space,” Arizona Cardinals tackle and Pathway adviser Kelvin Beachum said in a statement provided to SBJ. “They have a dedicated team and long-term vision that puts the players first, which is something I wish I had as a college player.”

Pathway has roared out of the gates since its first set of meetings with teams in February, but forecasting its long-term feasibility and potential isn’t as simple as back-of-the-napkin math.

For one, Pathway and EA have no current business relationship in place, and the latter is certainly under no obligation to create one.

There’s also competition on the market.

OneTeam — which handled NIL agreements for EA ahead of last year’s launch of College Football 25, and has played a major role with the NFLPA and EA’s Madden arrangement since 2020 — upped its one-time payments to athletes from $600 to $1,500 in March.

Still, the swath of agreements Pathway has struck should have a consequential impact in the not-too-distant future.

The deals the company inked in recent months are nonexclusive in 2025, but become exclusive in 2026 and extend through a player’s eligibility (exclusivity would end at that point).

More significant, Pathway also has included a right of first refusal in its deals for players who make a pro roster, giving the company a 90-day window to negotiate video game rights for those athletes.

That could theoretically create an impasse (or, on the flip side, incentivize partnership) between Pathway, the NFLPA, OneTeam and EA related to group licensing and the Madden franchise.

The NFLPA and OneTeam declined to comment for this story when reached by SBJ.

Schwab, however, insisted the ROFR included in Pathway’s deals is unlikely to be exercised.

“The only way it would make sense for us, or anybody, to exercise that right is if we had a deal with a video game developer to go pay more for those rights,” he said. “The analogy is if somebody has a right of first refusal on my house, and I’m trying to sell my house, I‘m going to be able to drive the rest of the market up for the value of my house.”

Pathway may also serve purposes beyond college football video games — though Schwab is adamant it‘s not a precursor to a union.

The company’s advisory board includes co-head of WME Sports Karen Brodkin and National Association of Basketball Coaches Executive Director Craig Robinson, suggesting a potential foray into college basketball.

More immediately, college sports leaders are determined to avoid classifying athletes as employees, despite seeking a way to collectively bargain (federal law requires one be deemed an employee in order to do so). Group licensing, thus, might provide a way to pseudo-organize without needing employee status or an antitrust exemption from Congress.

The approach is also one schools may look toward in a post-House settlement world, where NIL deals are likely to face more scrutiny from a Deloitte-run clearinghouse designed to judge fair market value on agreements worth $600 or more.

“I‘m a firm believer that the path forward [for college sports] is a situation where the student athletes can act collectively and we can reach an agreement with them in some form,” said former Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick, who‘s serving as an adviser for Pathway. “There are a lot of different ways to skin that cat, and so I‘m super supportive of anybody who‘s laying the groundwork for that. Casey certainly is.”

Alt text — In his new venture, Pathway Sports, Casey Schwab is trying to help college football players maximize their return from EA Sports new college football video game. Courtesy of Pathway Sports

NIL

BSB | Madrigal Named Second ABCA All-American in Program History, First Since 2008

Story Links 2025 ABCA All-American Selections GREENSBORO, N.C., For just the second time in program history and the first time in 17 years, Saint Mary’s has produced an ABCA All-American in junior first baseman Eddie Madrigal. Madrigal was named to the American Baseball Coaches […]

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25 minutes ago

June 15, 2025

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GREENSBORO, N.C., For just the second time in program history and the first time in 17 years, Saint Mary’s has produced an ABCA All-American in junior first baseman Eddie Madrigal. Madrigal was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-America Second Team as the lone WCC recipient. Madrigal was the focal point of a magical 2025 season for Saint Mary’s as they won their second WCC Tournament Championship to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In just their second ever NCAA Regional appearance, they added another chapter to the story with their first ever regional victory defeating 8th ranked Oregon State 6-4 on the opening day of the tournament.

Madrigal’s list of accomplishments and awards include All-WCC First Team, WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, ABCA All-West Region First Team, NCBWA Second Team All-American, and now an ABCA All-American for the program’s first since 2008. That season, sophomore Kyle Jensen hit .421 for the Gaels with 13 homers and 52 RBI to be named an ABCA Second Team All-American. Madrigal capped his 2025 season with a .368 batting average, 21 home runs, 78 RBI, a .698 slugging percentage and a 1.160 OPS to lead all starters for Saint Mary’s. He also broke the single-season program records for hits (89), RBI (78) and runs scored (66) as his junior campaign will go down as one of the best in program history.

The complete release with the 2025 ABCA All-America teams can be found HERE or at abca.org.

About the ABCA…

The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel Baseball.

Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary’s athletics updates and information.

#GaelsRise

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Ex-Tennessee WR, NIL Trailblazer Grant Frerking Accused of Fraud in Shocking Allegations

Former Tennessee wide receiver Grant Frerking was once one of the coolest stories in college football. A walk-on for the Volunteers, he joined the team in 2017. Despite not playing meaningful football for UT, Ferking made a name for himself as one of the first college athletes to profit off of NIL. Frerking created his […]

Published

46 minutes ago

June 15, 2025

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Frerking created his own landscaping company, Metro Straw, and in 2021, under the new NIL rules, he was legally allowed to use his football career to help his business profit. After he graduated, Frerking left Metro Straw and joined On3 to cover NIL.

However, in a major twist, Ferking allegedly was still taking payments from customers despite not working for the landscaping business.

Former Tennessee Wide Receiver Grant Frerking Accused of Fraud

As first reported by Knox News, after leaving Metro Straw, Frerking continued to ask customers for up-front payments, and did not deliver the landscaping that those customers paid for.

Former Tennessee player Grant Frerking worked for Vols football as a consultant advising coach Josh Heupel while embroiled in scams, documents reveal. https://t.co/sVTMsqXFri

— Knox News (@knoxnews) June 12, 2025

These accusations have led the Milton Police Department, located in Georgia, to investigate Frerking for “theft by deception,” another term for fraud.

According to court records and the East Tennessee publication, this isn’t the first time Frerking has been in legal financial trouble this year. A Tennessee judge also ordered him to pay over $16,000 in missing rent payments on two apartments in Nashville.

On top of all of this, there is even more drama surrounding the former Tennessee wide receiver, as he is now being accused of working for the Tennessee football program while covering NIL events for On3, which would be a major conflict of interest.

According to Outkick, Frerking would often be on the road at schools holding events to promote On3 while also consulting for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. While this isn’t against the law, morally, it raises a lot of questions.

MORE INDUSTRY NEWS: Pat McAfee Reportedly Eyeing ‘Independent College GameDay’-Style Show Despite $85 Million ESPN Deal

On3’s owner, Shannon Terry, shared this message on social media Thursday night, claiming that he and the company had no knowledge of Frerking’s employment with the Vols.

On3 had no knowledge of this relationship. Grant was explicitly instructed not to engage, either directly or indirectly, with the University of Tennessee or its associated collective. On multiple occasions during his employment, he was asked to confirm compliance with this… https://t.co/6rUtzVVgSy

— Shannon Terry (@ShannonTerry) June 12, 2025

“On3 had no knowledge of this relationship. Grant was explicitly instructed not to engage, either directly or indirectly, with the University of Tennessee or its associated collective. On multiple occasions during his employment, he was asked to confirm compliance with this directive, and he repeatedly denied any involvement. These representations were false.”

He concluded with a powerful statement. “He lied to us.”

As for the fraud claims, Frerking has not yet been charged with anything, but as previously mentioned, the Milton Police Department has launched an investigation into the allegations.

It’s a twist that not many saw coming from a once beloved and admired figure in college football.

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Elite LSU Baseball First Baseman Reveals Transfer Portal Destination to Big Ten Foe

LSU first baseman Ryan Costello revealed his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this month after one season in Baton Rouge. Costello, a former Top-100 prospect in America, signed with the LSU Tigers as a member of the 2024 Recruiting Class. He was Perfect Game’s No. 92 overall prospect and the No. 2 rated […]

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2 hours ago

June 15, 2025

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Elite LSU Baseball First Baseman Reveals Transfer Portal Destination to Big Ten Foe

LSU first baseman Ryan Costello revealed his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this month after one season in Baton Rouge.

Costello, a former Top-100 prospect in America, signed with the LSU Tigers as a member of the 2024 Recruiting Class.

He was Perfect Game’s No. 92 overall prospect and the No. 2 rated first baseman coming out of high school.

Costello appeared in 15 games during the 2025 season for the Tigers where he took eight at-bats with zero hits tallied. He struck out four times.

The talented youngster struggled to find his way in the lineup with star first baseman Jared Jones handling duties at the position during the season for the Tigers.

Now, after one season in Baton Rouge, Costello has revealed where he will suit up for the 2026 season after committing to the Maryland Terrapins.

First off, I want to thank God for giving me the health and ability to keep playing this game at such a high level. I also want to thank @MattSwope19 for giving me the opportunity to continue to develop and play this game @TerpsBaseball! pic.twitter.com/e2NGaWtaBP

— Coz (@RyanCostelloo) June 13, 2025

No. 1: Chandler Dorsey – Pitcher

Dorsey entered the NCAA Transfer Portal last week following one season in Baton Rouge.

The coveted transfer saw limited action with the Tigers after appearing in just five games for the Tigers this season.

Dorsey threw a total of 5.0 innings and logged four strikeouts and two walks. He also gave up five runs (three earned) on eight hits.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has now found a new home after a short stint in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Dorsey is headed back to his home-state and will suit up for the UCF Knights for the 2026 season, he revealed via his social media. It’ll be the third program of his collegiate career.

No. 2: David Hogg II – Shortstop

Hogg, a Top-100 prospect in the 2024 Recruiting Cycle, signed with the Tigers as the No. 79 overall recruit and No. 21 rated shortstop.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder out of Mansfield (Tex.) saw limited action during his time in Baton Rouge after being buried on the depth chart in 2025.

He appeared in 12 games where he took only two at-bats across his time with Jay Johnson’s program.

Hogg will now become one of the more sought-after youngsters in the NCAA Transfer Portal where he will join fellow LSU freshman Ryan Costello.

No. 3: Blaise Priester – Catcher

LSU catcher Blaise Priester will re-enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after making the decision to return to Baton Rouge last offseason.

Priester signed with the LSU Tigers out of high school before redshirting during his first season with the program in 2022.

From there, he played two seasons at Meridian Community College in 2023 and 2024 before returning to LSU for the 2025 season.

Priester had just seven at-bats in 13 games played for the Tigers this season before entering the portal this week, according to D1Baseball.

No. 4: Dylan Thompson – Right-handed Pitcher

LSU right-hander Dylan Thompson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons in Baton Rouge, a source tells LSU Tigers On SI.

Thompson was a member of the 2023 class where he made just one appearance in the purple and gold across two years.

No. 5: Mic Paul – Outfielder

Paul, the No. 1 rated outfielder in Utah coming out of high school, signed with the LSU Tigers in the 2022 Recruiting Cycle.

During the 2023 season, Paul played in 12 games as a reserve outfielder for Jay Johnson’s crew where he collected one hit in nine at-bats with five runs scored.

Fast forward to his second season with the program and Paul redshirted during the 2024 season in Baton Rouge.

He did not record any statistics during the 2025 season.

No. 6: Mikey Ryan – Infielder

Ryan, the No. 1 rated shortstop in Louisiana coming out of high school, signed with the Tigers in the 2024 Recruiting Cycle.

He was a Top-75 overall freshman, according to Perfect Game, heading into his first season with the program.

Ryan appeared in 16 games as a true freshman with three at-bats and one hit. He was primarily used as a defensive replacement in his lone season with the Tigers.

The 6-foot, 195-pounder out of Luling (La.) Rummel High will now test the free agent market after placing his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal this past weekend.

LSU Football Wide Receiver Donating NIL Money Back to High School for Title Rings

LSU Football Holds Commitments From a Pair of Top-10 Wide Receivers in America

Brian Kelly’s Take: LSU Football Searching for Ideal Starting Offensive Line Rotation

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU Tigers.

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Bill Belichick Revitalizes UNC Football with Historic NIL Boost

Bill Belichick’s Bold Gamble: Revitalizing UNC Football Bill Belichick’s arrival at the University of North Carolina has sparked a seismic shift within the Tar Heels’ football program. Known for his unparalleled success in the NFL, Belichick’s move to Chapel Hill has not only captured the attention of the sports world but also initiated a transformative […]

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2 hours ago

June 15, 2025

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Bill Belichick’s Bold Gamble: Revitalizing UNC Football

Bill Belichick’s arrival at the University of North Carolina has sparked a seismic shift within the Tar Heels’ football program. Known for his unparalleled success in the NFL, Belichick’s move to Chapel Hill has not only captured the attention of the sports world but also initiated a transformative era for the team.

A Surge in NIL Funding

Under Belichick’s leadership, the Tar Heels have witnessed an unprecedented increase in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding. The program’s financial backing skyrocketed from a modest $4 million to an impressive $20 million. This substantial boost in resources has allowed UNC to compete more aggressively in attracting top talent and retaining promising athletes, aligning with the evolving landscape of college sports.

An Influx of Talent

Belichick’s influence extends beyond financial gains. The program has welcomed over 60 new transfers, each bringing fresh energy and potential to the team. This influx of talent is a testament to Belichick’s magnetic appeal and his ability to draw players eager to learn from one of football’s most strategic minds. The new recruits, combined with the existing roster, have created a dynamic and competitive environment that promises to elevate the Tar Heels to new heights.

The Strategic Vision

Belichick’s strategic acumen is evident in his approach to rebuilding the team. By leveraging his extensive experience and keen understanding of the game, he is crafting a blueprint for success that blends seasoned expertise with youthful enthusiasm. His vision is not just about immediate wins but also about establishing a sustainable foundation for long-term success.

A New Era for UNC Football

The changes underway at UNC signal a new era for the Tar Heels. With Belichick at the helm, the program is poised to challenge traditional powerhouses and redefine its place in college football. His presence has already instilled a sense of belief and ambition within the team, inspiring players and fans alike to dream bigger.

Reflecting on the Transformation

As UNC embraces this transformative journey, the broader implications for college football are profound. Belichick’s gamble could serve as a blueprint for other programs seeking to revitalize their fortunes. The combination of increased funding, strategic recruitment, and experienced leadership may well become the new standard for success in collegiate athletics.

In the end, Bill Belichick’s venture into college football is more than just a gamble; it’s a calculated move that could reshape the landscape of the sport. As the Tar Heels continue to evolve under his guidance, the future looks brighter than ever for UNC football.

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Meet 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Drew Nash, QB, Western Colorado

Meet Drew Nash, a top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Discover his skills, training, and football IQ. Name: Drew Nash Position: Quarterback College: Western Colorado University Height: 6’2 Weight: 220 lbs Twitter: @DrewNash16 Instagram: @nashdrew11 What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? What makes me a top prospect is my deep understanding of […]

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3 hours ago

June 15, 2025

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Meet Drew Nash, a top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Discover his skills, training, and football IQ.

Name: Drew Nash
Position: Quarterback
College: Western Colorado University
Height: 6’2
Weight: 220 lbs
Twitter: @DrewNash16
Instagram: @nashdrew11

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect is my deep understanding of the game and my relentless commitment to preparation. I pride myself on being a student of the game while constantly being in the film room studying defenses, learning tendencies, and staying ahead of the evolving game. I can make every throw on the field from sideline to sideline and I’m confident in my ability to move within the pocket, avoid pressure, and deliver accurate passes. I believe my combination of football IQ, physical tools, and leadership makes me one of the most complete quarterbacks in this draft class.

What is one thing NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams should know that I’m the hardest workers in any room I step into. Whether it’s film study, lifting, or working on the field, I attack each day with purpose. I hold myself to the highest standard because I know that as a quarterback and a leader, others are watching and I’m here to be the best I can be not only for me but for my team. My goal is to set the tone for any team I’m part of with my work ethic, attention to detail, and consistent commitment to excellence.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause, it would be the fight against world hunger. Everyone deserves access to basic nutrition, yet millions go without it daily due to poverty and inequality. What stands out to me is that we already produce enough food; we just need to distribute it better. Supporting this cause can break cycles of poverty, improve health, and give children the strength to grow and learn. It’s about creating opportunity through something as simple and essential as a meal.

Who was your role model?

My dad is my biggest role model. He’s always been the provider, protector, and leader in our family, and I admire the way he handles responsibility with humility and strength. He’s taught me countless life lessons about hard work, character, and integrity. If I can become half the man he is, I’ll know I’ve done something right.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Los Angeles Rams. Being from the LA area, I have fallen in love with watching the offense of Sean McVay. His offense is based on a wide zone run scheme and does a lot of play action off those runs. Coach McVay also loves to move guys around and use motion to create stacks and bunches to create leverage on their passing concepts, to get free releases for his receivers, and to get the matchups that will help them be successful on that play.

Who is the most underrated teammate on your team?

The most underrated player on our team is Jaydon Young, a redshirt senior defensive end. He’s one of the smartest defenders I’ve played with and understands our system inside and out. Offenses have a real problem when he’s left one-on-one. He’s disruptive, relentless, and sets the tone for our defense. He doesn’t always get the spotlight, but he’s a big reason for our success.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people settle for being average. I believe everyone should push themselves to be the best version of who they can be. There’s always room to grow, and complacency holds people back from greatness. Whether it’s in football or in life, I want to surround myself with people who challenge themselves every day and work to their full potential and not for any reason other than for themselves.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher is Coach McMahill at Western Colorado University. He teaches coaching and sport psychology and also coaches wrestling. He’s helped me grow as both a future coach and an athlete by teaching me how to lead, communicate, and better understand the mental side of sports. His lessons have had a big impact on how I prepare and how I want to lead my own teams one day.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life came during my freshman year of high school. I was in a police explorer academy when my best friend was tragically killed in a car accident. It shook me deeply and made it incredibly difficult to stay focused and finish the program. But I knew he would’ve wanted me to keep going, so I pushed through, finished at the top of my class, and gave a speech at graduation in his honor. That experience taught me about perseverance, purpose, and honoring those you love through action.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

I’d choose The Cheesecake Factory. They’ve got a huge variety of food, so I wouldn’t be stuck eating the same thing every day. Whether I’m looking for something clean or something to indulge in after a big game, they’ve got options.

What is your favorite snack food?

Chocolate chip cookies are my go-to. Simple, classic, and always hits the spot.

What is your degree in?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport Science with an emphasis in Health and Fitness. I also have a minor in Sociology/Criminal Justice and completed a Coaching Certificate. My academic background helps me understand athletic performance from a scientific and social standpoint, which adds value to how I train, lead, and eventually, how I want to coach.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with three people, it would be Nick Saban, Tom Brady, and my great-grandpa. I admire Coach Saban’s leadership, discipline, and ability to build championship cultures. Tom Brady represents everything about elite preparation, competitive drive, and mental toughness. I’d love to pick their brains about how they sustained greatness. Lastly, my great-grandpa passed when I was young. What I remember of him was his unconditional love, but I’ve always been told how hard he worked and about the pride he had in family and values. That dinner would mean a lot—it would bring together greatness, legacy, and lessons for both football and life.

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say my biggest weakness is maybe being too driven on the field, especially when I’m focused on performance and/or solving problems. In life, I tend to put other people first but when it comes to football, I can be very task-driven, and that can make me unintentionally overlook how someone else is feeling. But I have become aware of this and have been working on slowing down, listening better and making sure I’m connecting with my teammates on the field. Leadership isn’t just about pushing people-it’s about understanding them too.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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Women’s athletes appeal blockbuster $2.8 billion NIL decision

The landmark antitrust settlement that approved a $2.8 billion payout for ex-NCAA athletes brought out objections from over a dozen groups of former players. Among them are eight women’s players who filed an appeal claiming that the fair share of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money was being taken from female athletes. Former soccer, […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2025

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Former soccer, volleyball, and track players opposed the proposed settlement split, which was set to send up to 90% of the funds to men’s basketball and football players alone. The athletes include Vanderbilt’s Kacie Breeding, Virginia’s Kate Johnson, and College of Charleston’s Lexi Drumm, Emma Appleman, Emmie Wannamacher, Riley Hass, Savannah Baron, and Elizabeth Arnold.

The attorneys who filed on the athletes’ behalf in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals spoke out in defense of their clients and their case. The reasoning for the appeal came down to Title IX violations, which bans gender-based discrimination in schools in the U.S. and legally requires them to provide equitable opportunities to all on campuses.

“We support a settlement of the case, just not an inaccurate one that violates federal law,” the statement told ESPN. “The calculation of damages is based on an error to the tune of 1.1 billion dollars. Paying out the money as proposed would be a massive error that would cause irreparable harm to women’s sports.”

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The attorneys argued that the broadcast rights money would’ve had to be split equitably between men’s and women’s sports if it were being paid out during their college careers in the past under Title IX laws, and he maintains that the same standard should be followed now with the retroactive payments.

“Title IX was deliberately ignored,” they continued. “The parties and court acted like it was already addressed when it clearly was not. Complying with Title IX was a problem in this settlement, so they just chose to ignore it. That can’t stand.”

The appeal won’t halt payments to current NCAA athletes, which are set to begin on July 1. However, former players will have to wait for their share of the back pay until the case works its way through the legal system, which could take months, if not years, in the complex appeals court.

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