By Black PR Wire
(Black PR Wire) Portland, OR – adidas recently announced the signing of Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze to the brand’s growing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) roster, marking the brand’s first football student-athletes. The Oct. 20 signing reflects a continued commitment by adidas to supporting student-athletes and empowering the next generation of athletes.
“I couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with the adidas family. I’ve been in the three stripes my entire college career and their support has meant a lot to me. I’m excited about this unique opportunity to help further the brand and I’m appreciative of their investment in my university, my teammates and myself,” said Heisman contender Michael Penix Jr. “adidas has shown that they’re committed to student-athletes across the country and I’m thankful to be a part of their commitment.
”In contention for the Heisman Trophy, Washington Huskies quarterback Penix Jr. is one of four captains for the program, with 16 touchdowns and 1,999 passing yards in just five games this season. Last season, he was the nation’s (FBS) leader in passing yards per game (357.0) and was subsequently named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year and placed on the All-Pac-12 Second Team.
Washington Huskies wide receiver Odunze joins the adidas family as one of Washington’s captains, having led the Pac-12 in receiving yards last season (1,145) and earning a place on the All-Pac-12 First Team. Ahead of the 2023 season, he was named to AP’s Preseason All-America First Team and a flurry of other preseason recognitions.`
`It’s an honor to be joining the adidas family as one of the brand’s first football NIL athletes,” said Rome Odunze. “adidas is committed to empowering me to shape my brand and my future, and I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of athletes.
”Both athletes will proudly represent the three stripes and participate in brand marketing campaigns.
Adidas’ partnership with the University of Washington dates back to 2019 and includes efforts to invest in student-athletes across all sports while also creating programs that increase representation and visibility for a more equitable future in sport. Penix Jr. and Odunze aren’t the first Huskies to join the adidas family, with softball star Kinsey Fiedler joining in 2022.
Student-athletes at Washington are also able to participate in the brand’s sweeping NIL network, which launched in July 2022 as a first-of-its-kind program aimed at creating a more equitable future in sport. The adidas NIL network boasts thousands of active student-athletes representing over 25 sports, including hundreds of athletes from Washington across 14 sports on campus.
