While some college coaches and media personalities are disparaging NIL deals, athletes are using them to change their futures and financial situations. And some, like Michigan running back Blake Corum, are using them to help their communities.
Now NIL deals are sprinkling down to the high school level, and one Nebraska high schooler is following in Corum’s footsteps.
In a story by KOLN Nebraska, we’re introduced to Malachi Coleman, a junior at Lincoln East High School.
Things are good for Coleman now, a stark contrast from his childhood where he entered the foster care system at the age of 9.
“Growing up my parents weren’t really around. My dad died when I was young, and my mom was a drug addict,” said Coleman. “It was mostly me and my sister and we were homeless for 3-4 years. My mom dropped us off at a strangers house she said she’d be back and that was the last time I ever saw her… I ended up in Lincoln in the foster care system the next day.”
But Malachi and his sister were fortunate. They were adopted together and grew up with stability, something many children in the system don’t have.
Now he’s a four star recruit with multiple college football offers. While he sifts through offers, Coleman’s thoughts revert to the system he was placed in and the children that remain in it.
That’s why he’s pursuing NIL deals to help support those in the foster care system.
“I’m looking to be the first high schooler in Nebraska to have an NIL contract,” said Coleman.
So he’s working with a local restaurant in the city to help achieve his goal, something that makes its owner emotional.
“I have to catch myself being brought to tears by his story, his heart and what he wants to do,” said Nick Maestras, owner of Muchachos.
While most NIL deals are small in monetary value, if they have any monetary value at all, this deal is bigger than personal gain. This will help children like Malachi and his sister who are placed in a system by no choice of their own.
“I know how some of these kids feel and how hopeless they are,” said Malachi. “But I want to be able to tell them, and show them that no matter the circumstance, you can make a difference.”
At the age of 16, Malachi Coleman is making a difference on the football field. But more importantly, he’s going to make a difference for children who many times lack a simple chance at a better life.
