NIL
Texas A&M’s Reed, Owens II earn historic NIL deal with SONIC
A pair of Texas A&M stars began their NIL journey with SONIC, marking the fast-food chain’s first-ever NIL deals, which will feature the Aggie athletes in television commercials.
Alongside actor and former professional athlete Terry Crews, sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed and running back Rueben Owens II were invitees to take part in the groundbreaking commercial series. Reed and Owens II are two of three college football athletes selected, along with representatives from the Texas Longhorns. According to reports from KDAF CW 33 in Austin, Texas, Crews will serve as the on-set acting coach for the young stars.
GigEm247 beat writer Carter Karels posted the hilarious preview snippet of Crews preparing the Aggies and Longhorns on techniques, which included how to hold SONIC’s burgers.
Per reports from KDAF, the first set of commercials featuring the athletes from the respective universities will air on the weekend of August 30. While Reed and Owens II are learning how to properly hold SONIC products for the upcoming NIL deal with the brand, the pair will also be integral pieces to head coach Mike Elko’s offense in 2025.
Reed was thrown into the fire and immediately rose from the ashes like a phoenix against elite competition, as the Nashville, Tenn., native thrived in his first collegiate start in 2024 in a 33-20 victory over the Florida Gators in Gainesville.
Entering his third year at Texas A&M and joining Reed in the Aggies’ offensive backfield is Owens II. The 5-foot-11 back from El Campo, Texas, dons the Jason Vorhees famous hockey mask from Friday the 13th for a reason, as his innate ability to seek contact and zip past defenders makes him a tremendous piece to one of the best running back rooms in the Southeastern Conference, along with Le’Veon Moss.
Both stars have earned their reward off the field, but there are still major achievements the duo is aiming for as they enter this year’s campaign in College Station.
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