
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin is under fire after signing a lucrative NIL deal with a high-end luxury brand, sparking a debate about the role of endorsements in college football. While Franklin has become one of the top receivers in the nation, his latest endorsement deal has raised eyebrows within the program and among fans.
“It’s one thing to sign with sports brands, but this is on a whole different level,” one Oregon booster reportedly said. “It feels like he’s more focused on his image than on winning games.”
The deal, which reportedly includes appearances in fashion campaigns and exclusive social media promotions, has led some to question whether Franklin’s priorities are aligned with the team’s goals. The timing of the announcement—just days before a critical game against a Pac-12 rival—only added to the controversy, with critics arguing that Franklin should be focused on football, not fashion.
Franklin has defended his decision, stating that the NIL era is about players being able to capitalize on their own brand. “I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and I deserve to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way,” he told reporters.
However, the controversy hasn’t died down, and even some of Franklin’s teammates have privately expressed concerns that the attention on his endorsement deals is becoming a distraction. As the Ducks push for a College Football Playoff berth, the focus will be on Franklin to prove that his off-field ventures won’t impact his performance.
Can Franklin balance his burgeoning off-field career with his responsibilities to the team, or will this high-profile deal cause a rift within the Ducks’ program?
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