Michigan Wolverines edge rusher and 2021 NFL Draft prospect Kwity Paye is getting into the NFT game.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Paye is teaming with OpenSea to release what is believed to be the “first collegiate licensed football NFT.”
The digital trading card will go live on OpenSea as soon as Paye is selected in the NFL Draft. According to Schefter, all proceeds will go to Paye's non-profit, The Uniform Funding Foundation.
Michigan DE Kwity Paye is releasing a 1/1 draft night NFT. This digital trading card is the first collegiate licensed football NFT. It will be live on OpenSea the moment Paye is drafted. All proceeds will go towards his non-profit, The Uniform Funding Foundation @getTUFF__ pic.twitter.com/L1WTjlJZWw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
OpenSea and NFTs have become all the rage as of late, and now they're hitting the NFL Draft.
Though the digital trading cards have typically gained more traction among established sporting stars, young up-and-comers are starting to get involved as well. Gonzaga point guard and top NBA prospect Jalen Suggs declared for the draft with an NFT commemorating his game-winning shot against UCLA in the Final Four. Now, Paye is following suit.
The Wolverines defensive lineman doesn't exactly have the most glowing collegiate resume. Paye played just 30 games in four seasons at Michigan.
However, Paye's junior season offers a glimpse into the kind of guy he could be in the NFL. He had 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2019. Paye also had 2.0 sacks and four tackles for a loss in four games this past season.
Despite the general lack of sample size and production at the college level, Paye seems to be building NFL Draft momentum because of his physical abilities. He is a big and technically sound edge who can win one-on-one matchups and make plays in the defensive backfield.
It remains to be seen where Paye will land on Thursday night. But he will mark his selection with a historic NFT trading card.
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