Former No. 1 Pick Believes He'd Get $10 Million in NIL if he Played Today
The era of name, image and likeness has dominated college football. Even former NFL players wonder what could have been if NIL existed.
Keyshawn Johnson is one wondering "what if?" The USC legend and former top overall pick in the NFL Draft chimed in on the ongoing money making model in collegiate sports.
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Johnson sounded off on NIL during his appearance on "Games With Names" hosted by Julian Edelman Wednesday. The Super Bowl winning wide receiver for the New England Patriots first asked Johnson: "Would you have left USC for NIL?"
Johnson didn't mince words about what his decision would've been.
This year's Gala honored former Tampa Bay Buc wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. The mission of the annual Dick Vitale Gala's is to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation for Cancer Research to help men, women and children diagnosed with cancer. This year the 2022, 17th Annual Dick Vitale Gala raises a record $11.1 million. For more information and how to donate visit v.org. Sar Dick Vitale Gala 12 © THOMAS BENDER/HERALD-TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK
"Oh I'm staying at USC," Johnson began. "The reason is because we can pay."
But Johnson didn't just bring up the NIL aspect as to why he'd stay at USC.
"I'm a loyal person. I'm not a bounce around guy," Johnson said. "I'm not going to leave because someone is offering me $4 million versus two in-a-half. I'm not going to jump around and run."
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However, Johnson believed he would've raked in $10 million at USC had NIL existed during his era. Johnson established himself as one of college football's most dominating wide receivers ever as a perennial All-American.
Johnson dove even further by taking a dig at one Southeastern Conference powerhouse.
"Leaving USC to go where? To Alabama? I'm not going to [expletive] Alabama," Johnson said. "Me? Alabama? A brother from the west coast? Oh hell no."
JuJu Watkins is now the USC athlete cashing in on her NIL endorsement money and taking advantage of the new era. USC football under Lincoln Riley are also using NIL to help win over recruits.
Related: USC in the Mix for New York's No. 1 Recruit Amid Push From Big Ten Rivals
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