With Jalen Milroe declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, Alabama faces a significant vacancy at quarterback next season. Redshirt junior Ty Simpson is the projected starter, but he’ll likely face strong competition from highly touted freshman Keelon Russell, the No. 2 recruit in the 2025 class, according to On3.
Russell recently partnered with Team IFA for NIL representation and signed a multi-year deal with Panini America, a top name in sports collectibles, last month.
At the Panini Prizm VIP lounge in New Orleans before Super Bowl LIX, Russell spoke with Nick Schultz of On3 about his early experiences with NIL just weeks after enrolling at Alabama.
By securing representation and landing his first deal with Panini America, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has positioned himself for success in the NIL market.
In an interview with On3, Russell revealed the most important lesson he has learned about NIL.
“The best advice I received was to be aware of what’s coming your way,” Russell said. “Recognize that your profile and name are uniquely yours. Building and strengthening that is key, especially as the NIL landscape continues to grow.”
“The capabilities of these platforms are becoming much more advanced. NIL can sometimes be a distraction from football. Someone advised me to stay focused on the most important aspects.”
On3 estimates Russell’s NIL valuation at $1.7 million, placing him 35th on their NIL 100 list. “NIL is a great opportunity,” Russell said. “But the key is to stay focused on what matters. If you prioritize football, the NIL deals will follow. Your profile is your own, and if you perform well, it will continue to grow.”
Hailing from Duncanville, Texas, Russell committed to Alabama in June 2024 and began classes at the university last month.
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