The NCAA instituted the NIL policy in July, finally allowing players to benefit from name, image, and likeness purposes. Immediately we saw players left and right inking deals and making the most of it. On Friday, Darren Rovell of The Action Network reported that Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler is making history with the first public autograph signing.
“The first major public signing in collegiate athlete history will take place on July 31 in Chicago at the National Sports Collectors Convention…That’s when University of Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler will be signing autographs and taking pictures for compensation thanks to the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules that went into place July 1.”
This is a monumental deal for any college athlete and it shouldn't be a shock that Rattler is the first. The Sooners star is pegged as one of the top signal-callers likely going in the 2022 NFL Draft. In 2020, Rattler tossed for 3031 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions and showed off that potential superstar talent that many are raving about.
Rattler is the early Heisman Trophy favorite for that reason and his autographs could be worth a lot if he pans out in the NFL. Rattler will be signing at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, and other athletes such as Barry Sanders and Michael Irvin will also be signing. It will cost a pretty penny to have Rattler's autograph or photo for those wanting to attend the event. Rovell reports that each autograph costs $150, an inscription is $60, and a photo with him will be $150.
That's a big chunk of cash headed Rattler's way, and surely more college athletes will be holding these events in the coming months and the Sooners star will be remembered as the first one to do this type of event.
Somewhere, Johnny Manziel is upset.