X

Report: Caleb Williams Made Around $10M from NIL Deals in Final 2 Seasons at USC

Doric SamFebruary 28, 2024

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27:  Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates after defeating the Louisville Cardinals during the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl at Petco Park on December 27, 2023, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

As USC star quarterback Caleb Williams gears up for the 2024 NFL draft, he reportedly will be entering the league with a large chunk of change already in his pockets.

Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that "between NIL money and endorsements, Caleb made millions in his final two seasons at USC, with multiple sources putting the number around $10 million."

Kahler noted that Williams "signed endorsement deals with Dr. Pepper, Nissan, Wendy's and others, so he already had a business team assembled, including a team of attorneys who will handle his NFL playing contract." It was reported last week that Williams will not hire an agent for the NFL draft, as his experience at USC has already prepared him for life at the professional level.

"It wasn't like having a college quarterback on your roster," a source close to USC said of Williams. "It was like having an NFL starting quarterback on your roster."

Williams has long been considered a lock to be selected with the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is regarded as a generational prospect who can be a cornerstone for any franchise.

The Chicago Bears own the No. 1 pick thanks to last year's trade with the Carolina Panthers, and they still have to make a decision as to whether they will keep incumbent quarterback Justin Fields or draft their signal-caller of the future.

Williams recently told ESPN's Pete Thamel that he's not too concerned about where he lands in the NFL, saying, "If I get drafted by the Bears, I'll be excited. If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I'm just as excited."

Wherever he ends up, it's clear that Williams will not be a typical rookie quarterback in the NFL, both on and off the field.