05-06-2025
$1.3 Million Quarterback Makes Major NIL Move Before Freshman Season at Alabama
There's still plenty of good in the world of college football. With NIL opportunities changing the game, stories like this one are worth celebrating.
Keelon Russell, the No. 2 ranked quarterback in the class of 2025 and the 2024 Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year, made headlines this week for a heartfelt gesture toward his mother.
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It's a great reminder that beyond the field, these young athletes are using their platforms to support their families, give back and lead by example.
The NIL-focused outlet On3 shared a photo of Russell's generous surprise:
"NEW: Alabama QB Keelon Russell gifted his mom a new Mercedes Benz with NIL dollars."
Russell's current NIL valuation stands at $1.3 million. His first partnership was with Panini America. He ranks 37th among all college football players in NIL valuation, and 2nd among freshmen behind Michigan's Bryce Underwood. Across all college athletes, he's currently 78th according to On3's rankings.
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Russell will enter fall camp with a shot at winning the starting quarterback job under new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. He'll be competing with experienced returner Ty Simpson and promising youngster Austin Mack.
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12).Gary Cosby/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Back in February, Russell spoke with On3 Sports about his focus on staying grounded amid rising expectations and NIL attention:
"The best advice was to understand what's coming towards you,' Russell said. 'Understand that your profile is your profile. Understand that your name is your name. Building that is the most successful thing that you can do, especially with how the NIL space is getting bigger. The performances of the platforms are getting way more advanced. NIL is something that takes away from the aspects of football. Somebody told me, focus on the key things."
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Russell originally committed to SMU, but after a standout senior season at Duncanville High School in Texas, he flipped his commitment to Alabama. One of the key reasons? The development of Michael Penix Jr. under DeBoer at Washington, a path Russell hopes to follow.
This story of Russell's gift to his mother stands out as an awesome example of how NIL is already helping student-athletes make life-changing decisions for themselves and their families.
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