The Power of Pitching: An NIL Win for Jake Brown
- gorgesnlakes
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Experts involved in creating NIL deals will tell you that the best targets for interested student-athletes are those products that they are most passionate about.
Jake Brown, a star outfielder and pitcher on the LSU baseball team, recently witnessed this truth first-hand.
Brown parlayed his love of wearing Crocs––and the platform of competing in the College World Series and helping LSU win the championship––to not only land an NIL with the company, but also arrange for free Crocs to other members of the LSU team.
Brown’s NIL deal with Crocs began in the best way, organically. In an interview during this year’s College World Series, he mentioned his longtime love for wearing Crocs both as an athlete and non-athlete, and a passion for the fun, theme-filled custom shoes made by the company.
“They [Crocs] reached out and they said, ‘Hey, we’re looking forward to sending you a little bit of stuff. Just send us your address,’” Brown told Hurrdat Sports “They messaged back right away saying, ‘We actually want to hook up all the guys… we can overnight ship them to the hotel.’ I was like, ‘Absolutely. Yes. Please do that.’”
As aptly written in an article by Athlon: “In a crowded NIL landscape where logos and car deals often dominate the headlines, Jake Brown’s Crocs moment feels fresh, authentic, and fun. It’s a reminder that NIL isn’t just about the money. Sometimes, it’s about the magic of being seen, being yourself, and sharing it with your team.”
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So what does this mean for student-athletes at all levels of competition, in all type of communities? Think about the products that you love––whether it’s food or clothes or wellness––and contact the company about your passion for their product along with the unique qualities that make you a great candidate to represent them in marketing. Through an NIL deal, companies like Croc can offer things like: |
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