Quinn Ewers sacrifices NIL earnings for NFL draft dream

In April 2025, Quinn Ewers, a former Texas Longhorns quarterback, made a bold decision to declare for the NFL Draft. The Texas native was once heralded as a five-star quarterback prospect, but he faced a tumultuous college career that included injuries. During his time at Texas, he demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, which drew the attention of NFL scouts. Despite having the opportunity to enter the college football transfer portal and potentially earn millions through NIL deals, Ewers opted to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL, believing it was time to move on from college football. This decision raised questions about the long-term implications on his career. Ewers was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins as the 231st pick, despite earlier predictions that he could possibly go in the first round. As a result, he will earn around $830,000 in his first NFL season, a substantial drop from the potential earnings he could have made if he had returned to college football for one more season. Analysts speculate that his decision may serve as a cautionary tale for future quarterbacks who might prioritize their professional dreams over lucrative NIL contracts. Ewers' path reflects the increasing complexity of decisions faced by college athletes in the changing landscape of college sports, where NIL deals are becoming a significant factor in players' futures.