In this exclusive Brand & Athlete interview, Jay Hicks and Keith Miller sit down with Connor Printz, a former D3 basketball player from Claremont McKenna, who secured over 180 NIL deals and built a full-time career as a content creator. With major brand collaborations like Reebok, Powerade, and CVS under his belt, Connor shares his journey from the small stage of D3 athletics to dominating the NIL space.
Whether you’re an athlete, content creator, or just getting started in the NIL world, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights that can help you carve your own path to success. From leveraging social media platforms like Snapchat Spotlight to creating viral content, Connor’s experience proves that it’s possible to turn a passion into a profitable career. Watch the full interview below or dive into the key highlights we’ve pulled out just for you.
Why You Should Watch This Episode:
This episode showcases the incredible story of a D3 athlete who turned his content creation into a business, proving that anyone can succeed in NIL with the right approach. Connor Printz’s hands-on experience offers a wealth of knowledge on building a personal brand, working with brands, and making the most of NIL opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring content creator or a seasoned athlete looking to monetize your influence, this conversation is full of valuable lessons that apply to any level of competition.
Key Takeaways:
- Building NIL Success from Scratch: Connor shares how he started in D3 athletics with no national attention but grew his social presence and brand, ultimately securing 180+ NIL deals.
- Using Social Media to Grow Your Brand: Learn how Connor strategically used platforms like Snapchat Spotlight and Instagram to generate viral content and attract partnerships with major brands.
- Balancing Authenticity with Brand Deals: Connor explains how to stay true to yourself while partnering with brands, and why authenticity is the key to lasting success.
- Making the Leap from Athlete to Influencer: Get insights into Connor’s transition from college athlete to full-time digital influencer, and how you can follow a similar path.
Time Codes:
- 0:00-5:00 – Connor Printz’s journey: From D3 basketball to signing 180+ NIL deals
- 10:00-15:00 – Why every athlete should start creating content now: Connor’s advice for high school and college athletes
- 20:00-25:00 – The power of Snapchat Spotlight and how it contributed to Connor’s viral success
- 30:00-35:00 – Working with big brands like Reebok and CVS: How to secure high-quality NIL deals
- 45:00-50:00 – Moving beyond sports: Building a personal brand that lasts beyond your athletic career
Overview of the Conversation:
Jay and Keith open the interview by discussing Connor’s extraordinary rise in the NIL space. Despite playing basketball at a D3 school with limited exposure, Connor was able to sign over 180 NIL deals, becoming one of the most successful athletes in the NIL landscape.
Connor breaks down his content creation strategy, offering practical advice on using social media platforms like Snapchat Spotlight and Instagram Reels to create viral content. He also shares insights on working with brands, explaining how to maintain authenticity while building long-lasting partnerships.
The conversation touches on the importance of starting early, with Connor encouraging student-athletes to start creating content even in high school. He emphasizes that athletes at any level can build a powerful personal brand and secure deals if they approach NIL with the right mindset.
For athletes or aspiring influencers, this episode offers a roadmap to turning passion into profit. Be sure to watch the full interview, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and follow us on social media for more in-depth conversations on NIL, branding, and influencer marketing.
