Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz has scored a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, partnering with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville for the upcoming football season. This exciting collaboration marks another milestone in Mertz’s burgeoning NIL portfolio and connects him with a premier automotive brand right in Gainesville.
This isn’t Mertz’s first foray into the automotive NIL space. Previously, he teamed up with Essential Motors NJ, showcasing the growing trend of car dealerships recognizing the marketing power of college athletes. Now, back for his final college season, Mertz is aligning with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville, a prominent dealership within the Florida Gators’ community. While the specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the partnership will see Mertz working with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville throughout the summer and fall. This will likely involve appearances at the dealership, social media promotions, and other collaborative marketing efforts.
Mertz’s on-field performance undoubtedly played a role in attracting this partnership. In his debut season with the SEC’s Florida Gators, after transferring from Wisconsin, Mertz impressed. He threw for an impressive 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns, remarkably limiting interceptions to just three. His completion percentage of 72.9% led the entire SEC, showcasing his accuracy and efficiency as a quarterback. Despite the Gators finishing with a 5-7 record and Mertz missing the final game due to a collarbone injury, his individual performance shone brightly. Now fully recovered, Mertz is poised to lead the Gators offense once again.
Gators head coach Billy Napier has publicly praised Mertz’s leadership and impact on the team. “[He] has the respect of the entire organization and the respect of his teammates,” Napier stated this spring. He emphasized Mertz’s work ethic, competitive spirit, and the professional manner in which he conducts himself both on and off the field. Napier highlighted Mertz setting a high standard for the entire team, noting his return as “a big deal for the Florida Gators.” Mertz’s experience is also invaluable for developing younger players like highly-rated freshman DJ Lagway, who is expected to compete for playing time.
The NIL era has opened up new avenues for college athletes, and car dealerships have become active participants. Deals vary, ranging from seasonal vehicle loans to opportunities for athletes to drive vehicles periodically. This partnership between Graham Mertz and Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville highlights the mutually beneficial nature of NIL deals, connecting local businesses with popular student-athletes.
Beyond Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville, Mertz has built a diverse NIL portfolio. He has endorsement deals with major brands like Panini America, Pepsi, Raising Cane’s, and PDQ Chicken. He is also scheduled to participate in the prestigious Manning Passing Academy. Furthermore, Mertz actively collaborates with Florida Victorious, a prominent NIL collective supporting Florida athletes. He’s also embraced opportunities in the digital realm, opting into EA Sports College Football 25 and launching his own merchandise line, represented by Equity Sports. With a significant social media presence of over 105,000 followers, Graham Mertz is effectively leveraging his platform both on and off the field, and this new partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville further cements his position as a prominent figure in the NIL landscape.
