Owls meet Owl: FAU football players joining Hooters in latest NIL deal
Of course, this was bound to happen - just as sure as corn grows in Iowa.
As athletes across the nation hook up with companies under the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) umbrella that college and high school sports operate under these days, it was just a matter of time before the obvious connections popped up.
Sleek sports cars and fast running backs and receivers.
Stylized leprechauns and Notre Dame athletes.
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And, now, Hooters and Florida Atlantic University. You see, FAU's mascot is the owl and the restaurant chain also features the owl as part of its iconic brand.
Really.
The men behind Hooters, who hail from Iowa, have been giving us the big wink-wink for almost 40 years. Now, they are aligning with collegiate offensive linemen across the country to promote their brand with guys who can down a dozen chicken wings in less than five minutes.
The FAU players, including Andre Lamas, Brendan Bordner and Chaz Neal, are joining their fellow players in the trenches to promote Hooters through marketing efforts, appearances at Hooters restaurants and significant roles on social media.
They will be encouraging fans to make Hooters their gameday destination or to pick up wings and other items for tailgate and viewing parties.
Besides FAU, other schools involved in the campaign are Miami, USF, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Missouri and Vanderbilt.
“It is an honor to have Hooters promote the big guys up front and advocate for the work, dedication and spirit of offensive linemen throughout college football,” said Georgia Tech offensive lineman Pierce Quick. “I think I speak for all linemen by saying we are extremely excited to partner with a restaurant we already love and throw down some wings.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Atlantic football linemen sign NIL deal with Hooters
