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The Utah football program is taking NIL to the next level with the latest gift given to the scholarship athletes on the team. On Wednesday, players were surprised to learn that they would be riding around campus in style in their brand-new Dodge Ram 1500. Each player on scholarship was given a new ride by the Crimson Collective. The collective is almost certainly changing the way that NIL will be viewed from now on. Check out the new ride below,
Today, Utah's Crimson Collective got all 85 of its scholarship football players a Dodge Ram 1500 — each retailing for about $60,000.
Leases end when a player's eligibility expires or if they transfer.pic.twitter.com/UZnVap3cyq
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 5, 2023
However, there is a catch to keeping your ride. Under the terms of the gift, leases end when a player’s eligibility expires or if a player transfers to another school. I’m sure that line will rub some people the wrong way, but one can’t be too angry that these athletes are still getting a free vehicle during their time at school. But now, playing time or a car payment will now be a major life decision for those on the Utes roster.
Utah football gave each scholarship player on the team a brand new truck 🛻🔥
(via @Utah_Football)pic.twitter.com/IG3O9gStVh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 5, 2023
One thing I have yet to see in all the excitement is who will be paying the insurance for these vehicles. Being an old miserable fart like myself, someone has to ask the questions of the boring adult. Trust me, being an adult is the worst thing on the planet. When the question about who was paying the insurance for these vehicles entered my mind, it made me feel like Brennan Huff gave up on Prestige Worldwide to begin a boring life as a catering professional. Alas, I found my answer.
According to ‘X’ or Twitter, or whatever is going on in the social media world, players are responsible for the taxes on the vehicle. So, while this gift is a fantastic gesture, the ugly truth might be that the majority of these athletes will not be able to afford their new trucks. Before jumping into the negativity that most love to swim in, let’s give a tip of the hat to those who support the Utes football program. SEC schools are now wondering what could be more significant than a brand-new vehicle. Private jets have to be on the table.