Tyler Atkinson, the standout 2026 linebacker from Grayson High School in Georgia, surprised his teammates with brand-new Adidas cleats. The gesture showcased a powerful example of how name, image and likeness deals can be used for more than just personal gain.
During a team meeting, Atkinson expressed gratitude for his squad’s hard work and dedication before gifting them the merch.
“I just want to say I’m thankful for y’all," Atkinson said. "I wouldn’t want to be part of no other team. You guys put in so much work, I’m glad to be on this team. I just want to say I’ve been blessed to give you all a gift. I got y’all some brand new cleats.”
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Fans on Instagram had mixed reactions to the gesture. One fan quipped:
"Look at this! NIL is ruining amateur sports!"
Here is how others are expressing their reactions:
Atkinson was among the first high school athletes to partner with the sportswear giant, joining the Adizero 7 Class ahead of the Overtime OT7 Finals in Tampa. His partnership with Adidas was established in October 2023. As part of the collaboration, Atkinson, the No. 1-ranked linebacker in the Rivals250, used this opportunity to give back to his team.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Tyler Atkinson has attracted attention from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Auburn and Alabama. He’s also visited Ohio State, Texas, Miami and Florida State. Despite the growing spotlight, Atkinson remains grounded.
"It's a blessing to have them and to be one of seven athletes, be one of these seven athletes in the entire country to be signed with Adidas," Atkinson told Rivals of his unique partnership with the clothing brand. "I'm the only defensive player, so it's good. It's a blessing."
Tyler Atkinson's NIL journey: From Xenith to a $201,000 valuation
Tyler Atkinson has been active on the NIL scene since Georgia allowed athletes to profit without losing eligibility in October 2023. After partnering with Xenith, a leading football helmet and shoulder pad brand, in November, Atkinson has steadily grown his presence in the NIL world.
Ranked No. 13 in the 2026 recruiting class by On3 Industry Ranking, Atkinson has drawn significant attention as he holds nearly 40 FBS offers.
His recent visit to the Georgia-Alabama matchup left a strong impression.
“The environment is electric in Bryant-Denny Stadium!” Atkinson told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “The way Coach [Kalen] DeBoer and staff are making their own path gets me excited.
“They took time with me pregame in the locker room before probably the biggest game of the season to let me know how important it was to have me at the game. It was a huge impression for our first time meeting in person.”
His current On3 NIL valuation stands at $201,000, placing him at No. 100 in the high school football NIL rankings. He also boasts a social media following of over 25,000.
