When the storm hits, only the real ones stay afloat. And Bama’s 2024 season? Straight-up disaster. It’s evident that Kalen DeBoer looked lost in the post-Saban chaos, and the Tide went under. But one guy who didn’t go down with it is Ryan Williams. This dude dodged the bad juju like a pro. His breakout game in Georgia led to a doubling of his NIL value and he’s now smacking a sponsorship deal with a nail polish company. Ryan has got everything covered. And this isn’t just for the flex, as it ties the young man straight back to his roots.
Well, age may impose limitations in many aspects, but in NIL game? It’s just a number. So, when Ryan Williams recently celebrated his 18th birthday, instead of blowing out candles, he secured a lucrative deal. The talented Alabama wide receiver has signed an NIL agreement with the renowned nail polish brand, Sally Hansen, adding even more money to his already impressive $2.3 million valuation.
While most freshmen would settle for a birthday dinner, Williams celebrated the signing of his fresh contract by adorning his nails with a stylish black polish. Taking to Instagram, Ryan said, “Now I’m all ready to enjoy my birthday and the big game,” flexing his nail color.
However, this deal is about more than just financial gain for Ryan Williams. He has been painting his nails before every game since his high school days, a tradition he started with his younger sister. Throughout the 2024 season, he has been changing nail colors to match various themes, such as orange for Tennessee and green to match his suit — making it part of his signature look. Now, he is capitalizing on something that has always been his thing just like Duke’s Jared McCain, who signed with the same brand last year.
And let’s be real, “Hollywood” has earned every ounce of the spotlight. As his freshman season wasn’t just good; it was must-watch television. In a game against Georgia, he torched their secondary defense with six catches, amassing an impressive 177 yards and scoring a touchdown. By the end of the year, he had recorded 48 catches, 865 yards, and eight touchdowns, earning himself recognition as a Freshman All-American. Ranked 11th in the SEC for receiving yards and 10th in yards per game, Williams didn’t just break out; he arrived.
Moreover, let’s not forget Ryan Williams’ performance against Georgia was the perfect exclamation point. With 12 million viewers tuned in, he transformed a simple catch into a viral moment, showcasing his agility by spinning in mid-air, snatching the ball, spinning again, and leaving two Georgia defenders in his wake as he sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown. The social media exploded with excitement, further boosting his NIL value.
Now, one thing is crystal clear: Ryan Williams is more than a rising star; he’s a brand unto himself, expertly navigating the industry.
Ryan Williams’ extravagant NIL deals
Some guys run routes, others run up the bag — Ryan Williams does both. Walking into the 2024 season this 17-year-old prodigy boasts an impressive NIL valuation of $768K. However, his outstanding performance against Georgia’s defense propelled his NIL valuation to new heights, skyrocketing to a staggering $1.5 million overnight. Now, he proudly showcases an impressive $2.3 million valuation.
While some players rely on collective endorsements, Williams has secured lucrative deals with heavy hitters like Uber Eats, Hollister, and most recently, Nintendo and Epic Games. However, Williams doesn’t settle for mediocrity. When others were immersed in the joy of gaming, he had a bigger flex right in front of him — a partnership with Epic Games, a company valued at a whopping $22.5 billion.
And don’t be fooled; this is no ordinary deal. On February 6th, Alabama defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe‘s Instagram reel seemingly confirmed Williams’ new contract saying “When running Fortnite on Nintendo Switch, you know we locked in #EpicPartner #NintendoPartner @fortnite,” In the clip, he asked Williams, “What are you playing the whole time, bruh?” The WR, glued to his screen, fired back, “I’m playing a game, bruh.” Mbakwe, never missing a chance to talk trash, shot back, “You gonna d-e anyway.”
Now as he embarks on the new season under Kalen DeBoer once again, we eagerly anticipate what more awaits him both on and off the field.
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