In a pretty unexpected move, Aspercreme—the pain relief brand under Opella—has signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Tom Cillo. He’s a 58-year-old freshman football player at Division III Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
This partnership launched just three days after the signing. It’s part of Aspercreme’s ongoing campaign to connect with older Americans.
They’re featuring Cillo to break age-related stereotypes and encourage folks to chase their dreams, no matter the number on their birth certificate. The campaign’s tagline? Act your age. Not bad, right?
The Unlikely Star: Tom Cillo
At 58, Tom Cillo isn’t your average college freshman. His path to becoming the oldest college football player to sign an NIL deal is honestly kind of wild.
Cillo’s story is all about perseverance. He’s proof that age doesn’t have to stop you from going after what you want.
In the campaign video, you see him training hard. He narrates, “You lose something when you age: the ability to give a damn what anyone else thinks.” That line hits home for a lot of people, I’d bet.
Breaking Stereotypes
Aspercreme’s move isn’t just about marketing—it’s also a stand against ageism. Featuring Cillo, they’re pushing back on the idea that older folks should just fade into the background.
The campaign pushes everyone to Act your age by doing what they love, not what society expects. There’s an on-screen graphic in the video: “At 58 years old, Tom Cillo is following his dream of playing college football. Damn right he is. Don’t feel your age. Act your age.”
Aspercreme’s Broader Campaign
Bringing Cillo on board fits into Aspercreme’s bigger plan. They’re looking to connect with older adults by sharing stories that actually feel relatable and a little inspiring.
The brand’s featured real people doing things like yoga, drumming, rock climbing, and even motorcycling. It’s a consistent message: get out there and live life, no matter how old you are.
Spinal Tap II Tie-In
Just last month, Aspercreme pulled off a fun tie-in with Spinal Tap II. In a YouTube video that’s racked up over 1.2 million views, the three rock band members are shown as die-hard Aspercreme users.
The best part? One of them complains that “it doesn’t work through clothing.” It’s a goofy moment, but it keeps the brand feeling approachable and lighthearted—plus, it hammers home their message about staying active at any age.
The Impact of NIL Deals
NIL deals have shaken up college sports, letting athletes profit from their name, image, and likeness. Usually, these deals go to young, high-profile athletes.
But Aspercreme teaming up with Cillo? That’s a curveball. It shows brands can reach all sorts of people and build real connections.
A Win-Win Partnership
For Cillo, this deal is more than a sponsorship. It’s a nod to his grit and the long road he’s traveled.
He’s getting a four-year supply of Aspercreme, so he’ll be set through his college football run. For Aspercreme, the partnership boosts their visibility and lines up perfectly with their goal to inspire older adults. Not a bad deal for either side, if you ask me.
Conclusion
Aspercreme’s campaign with Tom Cillo is a bold move. It’s a pretty clear reminder that age doesn’t have to stop anyone from chasing what they want.
By pushing back against age stereotypes and telling folks to *Act your age*—whatever that means for them—Aspercreme’s message actually lands. It’s refreshing, honestly.
This partnership shows just how much NIL deals are changing. Who would’ve guessed we’d see something like this?
If you want to dig into the full story, check out the article here: Aspercreme Inks NIL Deal with 58-Year-Old College Football Player.
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