Former Nike CEO Phil Knight pumps unlimited NIL resources into Dan Lanning-led Oregon for championship dream

When there's money there's a dream; that phrase would seem to apply to Dan Lanning's Oregon Ducks' relationship with Phil Knight, the former CEO and Co-founder of Nike and author of the best-selling Shoe Dog.

Knight, who has been retired for almost a decade, is an alumnus of the University of Oregon. It's reported that the 86-year-old is willing to invest a significant part of his fortune towards seeing his alma mater crowned national champions.

Knight is a renowned philanthropist, who has donated over $2 billion to the Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Stanford, and the University of Oregon. He's also a Stanford alumnus, having earned his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

According to ESPN's Rick Neuheisel, he's willing to provide Dan Lanning's Ducks with nearly "unlimited NIL resources" in their bid to win the natty.

Oregon has never won a football national title.

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Oregon holds vigil for former student-athlete Khyree Jackson

Tragedy struck the Ducks family on July 6, when former Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson died in a car accident.

It happened at around 3:10 am in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Reports by Fox Sports state that Jackson was in the front passenger seat of a Dodge Charger when an Infiniti Q50 tried to change lanes and speed ahead.

The Infiniti Q50 hit the Dodge Charger in which Jackson was sitting, sending it into some nearby tree stumps.

The University of Oregon football program informed on Tuesday that the school would hold a candlelight vigil in his honor on Wednesday, July 10.

Jackson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. His new coach Kevin O'Connell said after learning the news:

"I am absolutely crushed by this news, Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.

"In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches."

Jackson transferred to Oregon for the 2023 season, coming from Alabama. He earned a First Team All-Pac-12 selection this last season. He was 24.