Alabama football superstar signs deal with Nike

Ryan Williams just did it.

The Alabama football superstar has signed a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike, the company announced Friday. That makes the sophomore receiver a Nike athlete.

“Since I can remember, Nike has always been the best fit on and off the field,” Williams said in a press release. ”Family has always been a huge part of who I am. When I had the opportunity to join the Nike family, I knew I had to just do it.”

Williams is the second college player to have signed an NIL deal with Nike, per On3. The only other one was Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is now in the NFL.

Williams is fresh off a freshman season in which he caught 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed four time for 48 yards and two more scores.

The Saraland native reclassified to be able to enter college football a year early. So he will play his sophomore season in 2025 as what should have been his freshman season. During his time at Saraland, he became the state’s first two-time Mr. Football winner.

Williams’ most significant moment during his freshman season came against Georgia. Williams fought off a comeback effort from the Bulldogs, catching a 75-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Milroe