COLLEGE ATHLETES USING NIL FOR GOOD

Recent changes to NIL (name, image, likeness) rules for NCAA athletes now allow college athletes to accept money in exchange for using their names and images in promotions, advertisements, appearances, etc. Five college athletes decided to use these new guidelines for good: they’ve partnered with Samaritan’s Feet to give back to the communities who have supported them as athletes. Collectively, these athletes will give new shoes to over 60,000 young students across the United States and internationally.

Emil Ekiyor Jr. is an offensive lineman for the football team at the University of Alabama. “I am humbled and honored to be the very first collegiate spokesperson for Samaritan’s Feet.  It’s a wonderful organization making an impact across the globe. We plan to recruit other student athletes to get involved in their local markets.  In addition, we are inviting both national and local corporations to support our efforts.” Ekiyor’s goal is to serve 25,000 students throughout Alabama.

Emma Goldean is a midfielder for the women’s field hockey team at The Ohio State University. “Although it is challenging, I am so beyond grateful and honored to be a student-athlete at The Ohio State University. Our athletic department provides so many resources for its student-athletes, and the new NIL rules have enhanced this even further. It wasn’t until I found out about Samaritan’s Feet that something clicked…something as simple as providing shoes for those in need has the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life. I also get to be a pioneer as the first female athlete to sign an NIL deal with Samaritan’s Feet. I couldn’t have picked a better organization to align myself with.” Goldean’s goal is to serve 25,000 students throughout Ohio.

Isaiah Williams is a defensive lineman for the football team at Delaware State University. “The thing that attracted me most to Samaritan’s Feet is the passion to serve. It’s not just about giving shoes to the shoeless, it’s about giving more hope to the hopeless. Yes, the goal is to raise money on my part, but what I am most excited about is to be a part of the mission to one day have a world where no one is shoeless and to touch souls with every pair distributed, to serve the less fortunate, and to make someone’s day a little bit better. My intentions are to serve with purpose and with purposeful people, which Samaritan’s Feet is blessing me with the opportunity to do. I am extremely grateful and excited for what is to come.” Williams’ goal is to serve 4,000 students throughout Delaware and Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY (Williams’ hometown).

Luke Eberle is a forward for the men’s soccer team at Liberty University. “This summer when I spent the day at Samaritan’s Feet packing and sorting shoes, it hit home.  I knew that this was a mission and organization that I wanted to be a part of. Over the next few months, the Samaritan’s Feet staff and I were able to form a partnership with the goal of providing thousands of shoes to those who need them around the world.” Eberle’s goal is to serve 4,000 kids in Lynchburg, VA; Arnold, MD (Eberle’s hometown); Haiti; South Africa; and Colombia.

Sion James is a point guard for the men’s basketball team at Tulane University. “I chose to work with Samaritan’s Feet because their mission aligns deeply with my core values of service and faith. I’ve always had a passion for working with kids, so I jumped on the opportunity to serve those who need extra help. Manny’s story was incredibly inspiring, and it motivated me to take action. Samaritan’s Feet combines my love for sports and my desire to serve my community into a unique mixture that can and will change the course of kids’ lives. Plus, my work will push me to walk and grow in my faith.” James’ goal is to serve 4,000 students in the New Orleans, LA area.