In a significant development for Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson, he has secured a multi-year Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Harbin Automotive, a well-established dealership based in Scottsboro, Alabama. This partnership will see Simpson promoting the dealership through various channels, including meet-and-greet events, social media engagements, and potential future advertising campaigns. In return, Simpson will receive a new Ford or Chevrolet truck every few months, starting with a 2024 Chevy Silverado.
Win Harbin, owner of Harbin Automotive, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “As fourth-generation business owners, character and integrity have been the building blocks of our 85-year-old family business. When NIL partnerships became an opportunity, those two things were non-negotiable for us. Ty embodies these qualities and more, and we are excited to partner with him for the upcoming season and years to come.”
Simpson, a former five-star recruit from Martin, Tennessee, joined the Crimson Tide in 2022. Over his tenure, he has served primarily as a backup quarterback, appearing in six games during the 2023 season and completing 60% of his passes for 214 yards. Despite limited playing time, Simpson has remained committed to the program, choosing to stay with Alabama amidst the evolving dynamics of college football.
Reflecting on his role and future aspirations, Simpson stated, “My job is for the offense not to skip a beat in case something happens to Jalen [Milroe]. Whether it’s in practice or in warmups or anything like that, knowing that the guys have confidence in me… So that’s my job as the backup quarterback. And hopefully next year, that’ll be my job, to be the guy and know that the next guy is ready.”
This NIL deal with Harbin Automotive is a testament to Simpson’s marketability and the trust local businesses place in him. It also underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics, where athletes can monetize their personal brands while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. Simpson’s On3 NIL Valuation stands at $666,000, ranking him 60th in the On3 NIL 100, which highlights the top high school and college athletes based on their NIL value.
As Simpson continues his journey with the Crimson Tide, this partnership not only enhances his personal brand but also strengthens his ties with the Alabama community. His decision to remain with the team, coupled with his aspirations to become the starting quarterback in the future, reflects his dedication and leadership qualities. The collaboration with Harbin Automotive serves as a significant milestone in his collegiate career, marking a critical moment as he navigates the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a prominent figure in college football.
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