FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (June 25, 2022) – Name, image, likeness – three words that are a hot-button topic around the world of intercollegiate athletics today.
Just shy of the one-year anniversary of the NCAA adopting the name, image, likeness (NIL) policy, Northern Arizona men's basketball junior
Jalen Cone and redshirt sophomore
Carson Towt recently returned from their trip to Atlanta, Ga. where the first-ever NIL Summit presented by INFLCR was held at the College Football Hall of Fame.
"I want to thank Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
Mike Marlow and the NAU Athletic Department for their continued commitment toward our student-athletes," said head coach
Shane Burcar. "Jalen and Carson were among hundreds of student-athletes across the country who had the opportunity to learn about building their platforms at the summit, and this wouldn't have been made possible without the support here in Flagstaff."
On June 30 last year, legislation took effect allowing college student-athletes across all sports and divisions to profit from their name, image and likeness. While NIL "controversies" have dominated the headlines recently, the summit shed a positive light on NIL opportunities for all of the participants including both Cone and Towt.
Messages about branding, content, networking and staying true to yourself were constant amongst the dozens of speakers that ranged from current student-athletes to former professional athletes to CEOs and influencers.
The NIL Summit was designed to give student-athletes a platform to converge on to share ideas and collaborate alongside brands and organizations that are shaping the future of college athletics. Through mediums including speaker panels and hands-on-workshops, the attendees learned how to use their own platforms to leverage their name, image and likeness.
"The main takeaway for me was networking and really just opening and expanding your mind to ideas; being creative in what makes you different from everyone else," Cone said. "Of course they harped on building your following and posting more content, but they taught us how to reach out to companies whether that's through LinkedIn or on social media if you find a CEO or someone in marketing. Don't be afraid to reach out."
"No one really knows what they're doing. You just have to start out, plot who you are and pivot from there," Towt added. "Even the big-time athletes, everyone is just normal people and we're all in the same boat. You have to find out what the demand is in the market for you. There's a hope that whether you're at a mid-major, low-major, NAIA, any level, you can take advantage of NIL."
For both Cone and Towt, the message was clear. Branding is important and you have to stay true to who you are. What you do now impacts your long-term future because it all starts now.
"Everyone has unique talents, personality traits and experiences," Towt said. "It comes down to sharing it and (the content) will find the right audience. A lot of it is staying true to yourself and showcasing your personality. It might not be a hit right away, but if you use your creative juices and put out some content, it'll eventually hit and it will gain traction and that's what I'm excited about for my personal content."
Speakers included executives from Wasserman and Meta to name a few as well as individuals such as Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis and ESPN's LaChina Robinson, but for the Lumberjack duo, the highlight was none other than Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow.
Tebow, currently an ESPN personality, co-founded Campus Legends, an organization that presents student-athletes with opportunities to profit from NIL.
"Every speaker was great, but Tim Tebow was very authentic," Cone said. "I've followed Tim Tebow for a long time and there are a lot of stories about him, but he really is all of that. The way he walks, the way he talks. He's one of the most genuine people I've ever met and if I could have someone in my close circle for the rest of my life, it would be him because he carries so much wisdom."
To stay up to date with the NAU men's basketball team, follow the Lumberjacks on
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Jalen Cone on Social Media
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Carson Towt on Social Media
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