• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Penn State NIL Collective To Offer FB Players Disability Insurance

  • We Are NIL, a rebranded Penn State collective, plans to offer disability insurance to top football players.
  • The organization hopes to raise $6-10 million to do so.
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

A name, image, and likeness collective at Penn State, called We Are NIL, could potentially be a model for offering one of the most important benefits to football players: disability insurance. 

Formerly called the Nittany Commonwealth, We Are NIL hopes to raise $6-10 million, much of which will go to providing permanent total disability insurance for top athletes, founder Michael Krentzman told Front Office Sports.

It has already successfully secured insurance for offensive tackle Caedan Wallace, and plans to do so for several others. In some cases, Krentzman said, it will purchase additional insurance beyond what Penn State’s athletic department offers.

The idea is potentially monumental, given the previous limitations on insurance offerings for college athletes. The NCAA has long tried to shirk responsibilities for athlete insurance — the term “student-athlete” itself was created as a legal workaround to keep the governing body from being liable for workers’ compensation.

Permanent total disability insurance, which provides weekly wages to people who have completely lost the ability to work, is a class of workers’ compensation. Some schools like Penn State, for example, offer disability insurance to some athletes as an extra benefit — but there’s often a cap to what they provide for budgetary reasons.

Even for outside entities, purchasing insurance to athletes is an arduous process. Not all athletes qualify, Krentzman said — they must demonstrate certain health qualifications and the potential to be a top draft pick. Some also lack support systems that can help them navigate the significant amount of paperwork involved.

But despite the complications, the collective hopes to provide benefits that are “more important than money,” Krentzman said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti watches game play against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium.

How Indiana Quietly Became a Big Spender in Football

The Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, the highest in program history.

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive
October 11, 2025

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
October 10, 2025

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18
October 10, 2025

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
exclusive
October 9, 2025

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.
October 9, 2025

What If UNC and Belichick Part Ways? The Buyout Structure Is …..

If Belichick is fired without cause in his last two seasons, UNC owes him nothing.