The world of college sports just got a whole lot more interesting. News broke that 58-year-old college freshman Tom Cillo has joined a Division III football team.
This unusual move has grabbed the attention of sports fans and, maybe not surprisingly, brands hunting for fresh endorsement stories. Aspercreme, known for pain relief products, jumped at the chance and signed Tom to an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal.
That makes him the oldest football player to ever land such a partnership. Honestly, it fits perfectly with Aspercreme’s mission to empower folks 55 and up, challenging the usual stereotypes around age.
Breaking New Ground in College Sports
Tom Cillo’s journey is honestly kind of wild. Going from a 58-year-old college freshman to a football player? That’s not your everyday story.
He’s showing that age really can just be a number if you want it to be. By joining a Division III football team, Tom’s broken expectations and set a new bar for what’s possible in college sports.
No wonder brands like Aspercreme want in on his story.
The Historic NIL Deal
In just 72 hours, Aspercreme managed to sign Tom Cillo to an NIL deal. That’s fast, even by today’s standards.
The Martin Agency pulled the strings behind the scenes, and the news hit social media almost immediately. Both Tom and Aspercreme posted about it on Instagram.
It’s a pretty natural partnership, too—Tom’s already a fan of Aspercreme’s products. They’re made for people his age, after all.
Empowering the 55+ Demographic
At the core of this partnership is Aspercreme’s mission to empower people over 55. The brand wants to push back against ageist stereotypes and show that getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.
Signing Tom Cillo sends a clear message: age isn’t a barrier if you don’t let it be.
Challenging Ageist Stereotypes
There’s a lot of talk about age limits in society. But Tom’s story? It kind of blows those limits out of the water.
By teaming up with him, Aspercreme is doubling down on its commitment to helping people 55 and up keep doing what they love.
The Role of The Martin Agency
The Martin Agency played a big part in making this NIL deal happen. They’re known for thinking outside the box and moving quickly.
They saw the potential in Tom’s story and got the deal done in just three days. That’s not something you see every day in marketing.
A Swift and Strategic Move
Pulling off an NIL deal in 72 hours isn’t easy. The Martin Agency made it look almost effortless.
Their quick thinking meant they could ride the wave of excitement around Tom’s story and create a win-win for everyone involved.
Aspercreme’s Continued Innovation
This NIL deal is just the latest example of Aspercreme trying new things to stay relevant. Just last month, they launched a campaign for Spinal Tap II.
They seem pretty determined to keep finding creative ways to connect with their audience. Pushing boundaries and teaming up with unexpected partners is becoming their thing.
Connecting with the Zeitgeist
Aspercreme has a knack for tapping into what’s happening right now. By connecting with stories and people that matter to their audience, they build real engagement.
The Tom Cillo partnership is a great example—it’s a unique story that lines up perfectly with what the brand stands for.
The Future of NIL Deals
Unconventional NIL and endorsement deals are definitely on the rise. Brands are always looking for the next unique story to get behind.
We’ll probably see more partnerships like Tom Cillo and Aspercreme. It’s a win for the people involved, and it helps brands reach their audiences in new ways.
A New Era for College Sports
Tom Cillo’s NIL deal with Aspercreme is a big deal for college sports. It’s not every day you see a 58-year-old college freshman signing with a brand, and honestly, it’s kind of refreshing.
As more athletes and brands jump into these partnerships, things are bound to change. College sports might never look the same again, and that’s probably a good thing.
This whole trend could open doors for athletes from all walks of life. There’s something exciting about seeing the playing field get a little more level.
For more details on Tom’s story, check out the full article on Aspercreme’s Historic NIL Deal with 58-Year-Old College Football Player.
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