• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

DeVonta Smith Poised For Gainful Career After Heisman Win

Kent Gidley/Heisman Trophy Trust via USA TODAY Sports

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was announced as the winner of the 2020 Heisman Trophy last night, setting him up for a lucrative career.

Smith beat out his own quarterback Mac Jones for the Heisman, and is the first wide receiver to win the award since 1991; 20 quarterbacks have won since then.

The 22-year-old also won the Paul Hornung Award, recognizing him as college football’s most versatile player.

Back in 2014, ESPN estimated that winning the Heisman alone was worth a minimum of $800,000 over the course of the winner’s lifetime. 

In many cases, the winner goes on to sign a monster rookie contract in the NFL.

Recent Heisman Winner Rookie Deals: 

  • Joe Burrow, 2019: No. 1 draft pick, four-year, $36.1 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals
  • Kyler Murray, 2018: No. 1 draft pick,  four-year, $35 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals
  • Baker Mayfield, 2017: No. 1 draft pick, four-year, $32 million deal with the Cleveland Browns

Players aren’t the only ones who benefit.

Baylor University generated an estimated $250 million from donations, ticket sales, licensing fees and sponsorship deals after Robert Griffith III won the Heisman in 2011. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
Ohio State

Collectives Funnel $20 Million to College Athletes on Last Day Before Revenue..

Collectives frontloaded payments just before the revenue sharing era begins July 1.
exclusive

ESPN, Fox Reluctant to Share Talent With Netflix for Christmas NFL Games

ESPN talents who worked last year’s games include Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes.

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.

Featured Today

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
July 2, 2025

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.