FSU football’s Earl Little Jr. landing first NIL deal from Popeyes is a ‘surreal feeling’

Who is up for some Popeyes chicken?

No. 12 Florida State football’s Earl Little Jr. landed his first NIL deal, and it’s a tasty one.

Earlier this week, the junior defensive back announced his partnership deal with Popeyes. On his Instagram page, he posted a photo of himself with boxes full of chicken wings and biscuits on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

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“This is a surreal feeling being able to partner up with Popeyes,” Little told the Tallahassee Democrat.

“This is something that I’ve been thinking about ever since I was a kid going and eating that Popeyes when I was younger. Just having this opportunity has been great, and I’m ready for it, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

A rising star for the Seminoles, he was one of the nine college football players selected to promote its 12 for 12 deal. If a customer types in the promo code, Little12, while ordering online, the customer will get a dozen wings for only $12. This chicken special expires on Nov. 8.

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The United Entertainment Group, a global marketing agency for athletes and celebrities, represents Little. Securing his first NIL deal is a way for him to learn the business while being a paid athlete.

Little also likes the direction that today’s college football game is heading now that players will receive revenue shares following the House settlement earlier in the summer.

“Seeing that side of the business has been great,” Little said.

“Just talking with different people, I’m learning different things on that side. Just me handling my business on the field, it’s been pretty great.”

One of his connections happens to be his own father, Earl Sr., a former DB who played for the Miami Hurricanes and is a nine-year NFL veteran. The Fort Lauderdale native will seek guidance from his father whenever they discuss the business side of football, while he is behind his corner throughout his journey.

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“He’s played at both the collegiate and professional levels, and he’s always in my back pocket, giving me tips, tricks, and knowledge on how to handle myself both on and off the field,” Little said. “It’s been a blessing, and I couldn’t have asked anybody else better him to do it.”

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Earl Little Jr. plays relentlessly, but is having fun

Little is not only FSU’s leading tackler, but he is the hardest hitter on the team.

With 11 total tackles and an interception in two games, the 6-foot-1, 199-pound redshirt junior plays aggressively as if he has nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

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“I’m just out there having fun and playing the game I’ve been playing since I was younger,” Little said.

“I don’t look at it any differently. My approach to every game is the same, and I don’t feel like I really have a chip on my shoulder. I’m just out there having fun, making plays.”

Playing the rover position, where Little can lineup anywhere on the back end of Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense, his approach as a first-year starter and one of FSU’s team leaders on defense is an aggressive one. This was a year after Little switched from nickel to safety last season.

Known for being a heat-seeking missile tackler, he would describe his game as relentless, which fits the mode of what White wants in his DB. When introduced to the Rover position, it fit the mindset of being that relentless player.

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“Just doing what I have to do to put my team in the best position, man, whether that’s playing the deep half of the field, blitzing off the edge, playing in the box, it’s just all things,” Little said.

“It boils down to being relentless, which is why I tell my guys that, on both sides of the ball —offensively and defensively —we all have to be relentless.”

Last week against East Texas A&M, Little was thrilled to catch his first-career interception at Doak Campbell, but was disappointed not to be able to take one to the house for a defensive score.

“That was a surreal feeling, being able to bring down my first interception,” Little said.

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“I should have taken it back for six, but I definitely got one and we will get some more of those this season. I can’t wait.”

Little doesn’t have any individual goals. That’s not his forte. He prefers to focus on taking a step forward. He’s already set his mind on FSU’s next opponent, Kent State, which is set for next Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

I just take it day by day, step by step, and I put my best foot forward,” Little said.

“Whether it’s working out on the practice field, I just train as hard as anybody else, so I can handle whatever happens on Saturday.”

More: No. 12 FSU football’s Mike Norvell ‘faces some challenges’ on punt return after two games

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• Sept. 6, East Texas A&M, 77-3

• Sept. 20, Kent State, 3:30 p.m.

• Oct. 18, at Stanford, 10:30 p.m.

• Nov. 15 Virginia Tech, TBA

• Nov. 21 at North Carolina State (Fri.), 8 p.m.

More: How FSU football’s Tommy Castellanos injected confidence into Seminoles’ rebound season

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football’s Earl Little Jr. lands NIL deal: ‘This is a surreal feeling’