Tyler Perkins: Kicking Off Generosity with NIL

Jul 23

Meet Tyler Perkins, Iowa State University’s football punter, who has turned his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) profits into a powerful tool for good. This isn’t your average college athlete story. Perkins is making waves not just on the field but off it, too. How? By channeling his earnings to feed students in the Ames Community School District. Yes, you read that right—this punter is kicking hunger to the curb.

From Ray Guy Award to RAYGUN Partnership

After being named the Ray Guy National Punter of the Week, local clothing shop RAYGUN saw an opportunity and reached out to Perkins. The result? A stylish shirt celebrating his position on the team, emblazoned with "I cheer for the punter" in the iconic RAYGUN font and "Perkins 80" on the back. But here’s the kicker: Perkins decided to donate the proceeds from these shirts to the Ames Lunch Hero program, which helps students with low or negative lunch account balances. So far, Perkins has contributed $166, a small yet impactful dent in the $28,700 total negative lunch balance.

Making Waves in the Community

Perkins' efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Amy DeLashmutt, the district's director of communications, praised his generosity, highlighting the significant impact contributions like his make. Perkins’ decision to leverage his platform for good sets an inspiring example for both current students and alumni, proving that NIL deals can be about more than just personal gain—they can be a force for community betterment.

NIL: Beyond the Dollars

"NIL isn't just about the players," Perkins said, emphasizing the broader potential of these opportunities. For him, being on a full scholarship is a blessing, and he’s using his talent to give back. This mindset is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t just measured by personal accolades but also by the positive changes one can inspire in the community.

How You Can Do It Too

Wondering how you can make money and a difference like Tyler Perkins? Here’s the playbook:

Identify Your Brand: Like Perkins with his punting prowess, find what makes you unique. What skills, hobbies, or traits set you apart?
Engage with Local Businesses: Perkins teamed up with RAYGUN, a local shop. Look for businesses in your community that align with your values and can benefit from your influence.
Create Meaningful Partnerships: Align your NIL deals with causes you care about. Whether it's through donations or raising awareness, make sure your efforts resonate with your audience.
Promote with Purpose: Use your social media platforms to highlight these partnerships and the impact they’re making. Transparency builds trust and encourages more support.
Stay Authentic: Perkins’ story resonates because it’s genuine. Authenticity goes a long way in building a loyal and engaged following.

Tyler Perkins is proof that with the right mindset and opportunities, student-athletes can leverage their NIL deals for more than just personal gain. They can create ripples of positive change in their communities. So, the next time you see a player like Perkins on the field, remember—there’s more to the game than what happens between the goalposts. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to kick off your own wave of generosity.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your "I cheer for the punter" shirt, support a great cause, and start thinking about how you can turn your NIL opportunities into a win for your community.

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Jacky Falkenberg