After the NCAA determined student-athletes could be paid for their likeness and endorsements, many players took full advantage of the historic ruling. Of the players who capitalized on the opportunity was Johnson C. Smith University wide receiver Ky'Wuan Dukes, according to the Independent Tribune. Shortly after the decision from the association, Dukes signed an endorsement deal with Bojangles, a fast-food chain popular amongst North Carolinians and headquartered in Charlotte. Redshirt freshman receiver @kyupnext3 of @JCSUniversity becomes the first HBCU athlete to sign an endorsement deal with @Bojangles ! 🏈💰 (Via souljakd3/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/N7QOYTZXoh — The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) August 5, 2021 Back in June, the NCAA ruled that student-athletes can profit off of the use of their name, image and likeness. The ruling, which took effect on July 1, allows collegiate players to accept endorsements from brands and capitalize on their social media presence, CNBC reported...
