The rent bought Yardbarker pondering: Which different present NFL gamers could be splendid GMs for his or her alma maters?
Presumably, they have to be rich, influential and have sharp enterprise acumen to take care of NIL (identify, picture and likeness) and a capability to identify expertise. With that in thoughts, listed here are 10 gamers who belong within the entrance workplaces of their universities:
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes | Texas Tech
Three-time Tremendous Bowl champion Mahomes is already one among Texas Tech’s greatest donors. In August 2024, he gifted $5M to a $242M renovation of the south finish zone at Jones AT&T Stadium and the Dustin R. Womble Soccer Middle.
He additionally has invested in different sports activities franchises, together with the Kansas Metropolis Royals of MLB, Sporting Kansas Metropolis of the MLS and Alpine’s Method 1 crew.
Buffalo Payments QB Josh Allen | Wyoming
Wyoming went 3-9 in 2024. Maybe Allen would give this system the increase it clearly wants. He actually has sufficient cash to assist the Cowboys’ NIL (identify, picture and likeness) efforts.
In March, the 2024 MVP signed a six-year, $330M contract extension, with $250M assured. He has endorsement offers with a number of manufacturers, together with Nike, Pepsi, New Period and Anheuser-Busch.
Dallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons | Penn State
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (a former Penn State star) might be a good selection right here, however Parsons appears extra keen to embrace the highlight. The 2-time first-team All-Professional hosts an in-season podcast with Bleacher Report and is lively on his social media platforms.
Parsons’ persona might assist him schmooze with boosters and drum up assist for extra NIL donations, which the Nittany Lions must win their first nationwide title for the reason that 1986 season.
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson | LSU
Jefferson is likely one of the extra distinguished gamers within the NFL, boasting 1.8 million followers on Instagram. Mix his reputation along with his stellar profession at LSU, and that may make him an awesome match for the Tigers.
The Louisiana native performed a key function for LSU when it gained a nationwide championship in the course of the 2019 season, recording 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 landing catches in 15 video games.
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey | Stanford
McCaffrey was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 for sports activities for 2025. (This listing highlights 600 people having a major monetary influence throughout varied industries.) In fact, the RB signed a two-year, $38M extension in 2024 and is sponsored by Bodyarmor, Uber Eats and Visa.
McCaffrey is, maybe, the very best RB in Stanford historical past. In three seasons with the Cardinal, he completed third in program historical past in dashing yards (3,922) and tied for eleventh in dashing TDs (21).
Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt | Wisconsin
Watt has earned 4 first-team All-Professional nods in eight seasons with the Steelers and ranks sixth amongst lively gamers in sacks (108), via Pro Football Reference.
Extra importantly, Watt’s household has deep ties to the Badgers. His oldest brother, future Corridor of Famer J.J., starred at defensive finish for Wisconsin from 2009-10. In the meantime, his different brother, Derek, performed fullback/linebacker for Wisconsin from 2012-15.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson | Louisville
Jackson has tossed 166 TD passes and rushed for 33 in seven seasons with the Ravens. His thrilling enjoying type might be one motive he is among the many league’s extra common gamers. The 2-time MVP has 1.2 million followers on his X account and 3.6 million on his Instagram. Jackson, who negotiated his personal contract, additionally has stellar enterprise acument.
“He was capable of reap the good thing about altering market circumstances by being affected person,” former agent Joel Corry wrote for CBS Sports after Jackson signed a five-year, $260M take care of the Ravens (h/t Spotrac) in 2023.
With Jackson as GM, the Cardinals might vault to the following stage. Louisville has made two bowls in two seasons underneath head coach Jeff Brohm however hasn’t gained an ACC championship.
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle | Iowa
In eight seasons with the 49ers, six-time Professional Bowler Kittle has 7,380 receiving yards, the third most in franchise historical past behind Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice. Because the Hawkeyes GM, he might assist them proceed to churn out star TEs.
In 2021, Kittle, Travis Kelce of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and former Carolina Panthers star Greg Olsen based Tight Finish College, a three-day program for TEs to hone their abilities. Stars like T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings and Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions have attended it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield | Oklahoma
Including Mayfield might persuade Oklahoma boosters to offer the varsity extra NIL donations. In three seasons with the Sooners, the QB gained the 2017 Heisman and carried the crew to 2 School Soccer Playoff appearances. The 2018 No. 1 decide additionally has a deep love for his faculty.
“It would not really feel proper to name this a goodbye as a result of I used to be a Sooner lengthy earlier than I enrolled at OU, and I will be a Sooner lengthy after my enjoying days are over,” wrote Mayfield in a story published in The Gamers’ Tribune in March 2018.
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott | Mississippi State
Prescott hasn’t gained a Tremendous Bowl in 9 seasons in Dallas however has made loads of money. Per Spotrac’s estimations, he has earned $248.58M, the fifth most amongst lively NFL gamers. That determine would not embody his endorsement offers with Sleep Quantity and Nike.
Prescott would in all probability be keen to spur fundraising efforts for the Bulldogs, as he nonetheless appears keen on this system.
“[Mississippi State] has been residence to me since I got here right here at 17 years outdated,” Prescott told Joel Coleman of the crew web site in April 2023.
