Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter recently announced a pretty big partnership with 7-Eleven’s “Always Open” campaign. It’s another sign of just how much name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals are starting to shape college sports.
Salter’s not just making headlines for what he does on the field. Off the field, he’s catching plenty of attention too, and honestly, it’s wild to see how quickly things are changing in college athletics.
Earlier this week, Salter revealed his partnership with 7-Eleven’s “Always Open” campaign. The deal is tied to the brand’s 2025 clothing collection, which he showed off in a video on his Instagram.
There’s also a 20 percent-off sale running with the campaign, so fans get a little extra. Salter joins a small but impressive group of athletes who’ve worked with “Always Open,” including:
- Jeremiah Smith – Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver
- KC Concepcion – Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver
- Ja’Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals star
No one’s shared the exact numbers behind Salter’s NIL deal, but his valuation was around $700,000 as of April, according to the College Sports Network. That kind of partnership says a lot about his marketability and just how many doors are opening for college athletes these days.
Salter’s Other NIL Ventures
Salter’s not stopping at 7-Eleven. He’s also teamed up with Meritrust Colorado, a credit union.
These deals show he’s figured out how to turn his skills and personality into real opportunities. With NIL deals popping up everywhere, athletes like Salter are starting to redefine what success looks like in college sports.
Salter’s On-Field Performance
On the field, Salter’s been making moves. In the most recent game against Iowa State, he threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
That’s a big step up from his previous outings, where he managed just 119 passing yards against BYU and threw three interceptions against TCU. You can see the improvement.
Coach Deion Sanders’ Perspective
Coach Deion Sanders—most folks call him “Coach Prime”—had some good things to say about Salter’s resilience. He pointed out Salter’s willingness to own up to his mistakes.
Sanders also talked about how important it is for players to step up for the team. That challenge seemed to light a fire under Salter, and his performance against Iowa State showed it.
Salter’s Reflections on the Season
After the Iowa State win, Salter sounded pretty relieved and excited. He admitted it’s been a rough season and said it felt great to head into the bye week with a win.
He credited the team’s execution of the game plan and said he’s hopeful things will keep trending upward.
The Broader Implications of NIL Deals in College Football
The NIL scene in college football is changing fast, and Salter’s deals are a good example of that. Earlier this year at Big 12 media days, Coach Prime talked about the huge differences in NIL funding between programs.
He pointed out that some teams are pouring $25 to $30 million into a single freshman class. It’s hard to compete when the playing field’s that uneven.
Still, Sanders says he’s staying focused on making the most of the opportunities his players do have.
Looking Ahead: Colorado vs. Utah
Now, with Salter and the Buffaloes gearing up to face Utah on Saturday, all eyes are on them. They’ve got momentum from their latest win and the backing of these NIL partnerships.
It feels like they’re set up for a strong finish. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how Salter keeps growing and leading his team.
Conclusion
Kaidon Salter’s story really shows just how unpredictable college athletics can be these days. His recent NIL deal with 7-Eleven’s “Always Open” campaign is a big moment for him.
Paired with his achievements on the field, it’s clear that athletes now have more doors open than ever. The NIL scene keeps shifting, and guys like Salter are kind of setting the pace for what’s next.
Want to dig deeper into Salter’s major NIL deal or see how he’s getting ready for the upcoming game? Check out the source article here.
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