Link

Link

Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has made a strategic move into the sports equipment sector by investing in XTech, a company specializing in protective gear for athletes. The investment, announced on July 24, 2025, positions Manning as both a financial backer and brand ambassador for XTech, which is aiming to expand its footprint in the burgeoning youth sports market. This deal underscores Manning’s growing portfolio of post-retirement business ventures, blending his celebrity status with targeted investments in consumer-facing brands.

Details of the investment remain undisclosed in terms of exact figures, but sources indicate it’s part of a broader funding round for XTech, a firm known for its innovative padding and protective equipment used in football and other contact sports. Manning’s involvement comes at a time when the company is pushing to differentiate itself through technology-driven products that emphasize safety and performance, particularly for younger players.

XTech’s Market Push and Manning’s Role

According to a report from CNBC, XTech is leveraging Manning’s endorsement to penetrate the youth segment, where participation in organized sports has seen steady growth despite economic pressures. The company, founded in 2010, produces items like shoulder pads and helmets incorporating advanced materials for better impact absorption, and Manning’s star power is expected to boost visibility among parents and coaches concerned about concussion risks.

Manning, who retired from the NFL in 2020 after a 16-year career, expressed enthusiasm for XTech’s focus on innovation. “I’ve always been passionate about player safety, and XTech is at the forefront of that,” he told CNBC in an interview. This aligns with his personal brand, built on durability and leadership during his Giants tenure.

Broadening Investment Portfolio

This isn’t Manning’s first foray into business. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from earlier in 2025 highlight his involvement in other ventures, such as joining Brand Velocity Partners in 2022 to advise on brand development, and his role in Omaha Productions, a media company co-founded with brother Peyton that recently reached an $800 million valuation following a venture capital round, as reported by Axios. These moves show Manning diversifying beyond sports commentary into equity stakes.

Additionally, a Bloomberg report from April 2025 noted Manning assembling an investment group to bid for a stake in the New York Giants, though that effort appears separate from his XTech deal. Such activities reflect a trend among retired athletes turning to private equity and startups to maintain influence and generate returns.

Youth Sports Boom and Competitive Edge

The youth sports market, valued at around $19 billion in the U.S. alone, is projected to grow amid increasing parental investment in children’s activities, per data from industry analyses. XTech aims to capture a slice by emphasizing customizable, high-tech gear that meets evolving safety standards from organizations like the NFL and NCAA.

Competitors like Riddell and Schutt dominate the space, but XTech’s niche in premium, performance-oriented products could gain traction with Manning’s backing. As noted in NBC New York coverage echoing the CNBC story, this investment mirrors strategies by athletes like Serena Williams and Kevin Durant, who have funneled capital into wellness and tech brands.

Strategic Implications for XTech

For XTech, Manning’s participation extends beyond capital; his network could open doors to endorsements from current NFL players and partnerships with leagues. Industry insiders suggest this could accelerate XTech’s expansion into international markets, where youth football is gaining popularity in Europe and Asia.

However, challenges remain, including supply chain issues and regulatory hurdles on equipment standards. Still, Manning’s track record—evident in the success of BBQGuys, another Brand Velocity-backed venture he supported—bodes well for XTech’s trajectory.

Long-Term Outlook and Athlete Investments

Looking ahead, this deal highlights the evolving role of celebrity athletes in consumer goods. A report from The Athletic on July 23, 2025, drew parallels between Manning’s career and emerging talents, underscoring his enduring appeal. If XTech scales successfully, it could yield significant returns for Manning while advancing sports safety.

Ultimately, as posts on X from outlets like Front Office Sports illustrate, Manning’s business acumen is reshaping how retired stars engage with industry, potentially inspiring more such partnerships in the years to come. With the sports equipment sector poised for innovation, this investment marks a calculated step in Manning’s post-NFL chapter.

Link

Link

Georgia football finally had a good day on the recruiting trail on Wednesday after Rivals updated their recruiting rankings. On top of that, a former Bulldog fan favorite had a lot of positive things to say about his time at Georgia even after transferring away from the program.

But the biggest story to drop on Wednesday came in the form Georgia’s future quarterback having his future NIL deal leaked.

Jared Curtis is coming to Georgia on a cheap NIL deal

Most would assume that five-star QB Jared Curtis would be receiving a pretty hefty NIL deal to come to Georgia. While that is the case, it is nowhere near as large as some other top QBs are receiving.

According to On3, Curtis will make $750,000 during his first season at Georgia in 2026. Now compare that to the roughly $2.6 million Bryce Underwood, who was the No. 1 QB in the 2025 recruiting class, will make on average per year at Michigan and it’s easy to see how great of a deal this is for Georgia.

Curtis will likely make more money as his career at Georgia takes off, but either way the Bulldogs are getting Curtis in Athens on a very team friendly deal.

Georgia still sits atop SEC team recruiting rankings

Alabama and Texas have been the hottest teams in the SEC on the recruiting trail over the last couple weeks. Meanwhile Georgia has only been able to earn a couple commitments. Even though that is the case, UGA still has the No. 1 recruiting class in the SEC after an update to Rivals 2026 recruiting rankings.

The Bulldogs still trail USC for the No. 1 class in the country, but Georgia needs just one more commitment to surpass the Trojans.

Carson Beck finally speaks fondly of Georgia

The relationship between Georgia and Carson Beck has been iffy at best since Beck decided to transfer from Georgia to Miami. However, it appears that Beck has no negative feelings about his time at UGA based on the below statement he made at ACC Media Days this week.

”I wouldn’t be the person or player I am today without Georgia, and I’ll always be a Bulldog, I am very appreciative of my time there.”

Sure Georgia fans may still have some negative feelings towards Beck for the way he left the program, but if he is ready to move on then it is probably best for Georgia fans to as well. Beck did a lot of good things at Georgia, so he should be celebrated for those moments even though his time in Athens didn’t end how anyone expected.