Florida's Gervon Dexter becomes first SEC D-lineman to sign endorsement deal

Florida’s Gervon Dexter is the latest collegiate athlete to cash in on name, image and likeness, becoming the first SEC defensive lineman to sign a sponsorship deal. 

Dexter announced a partnership Thursday with College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. The company received national recognition July 1 when it became the first business to sponsor a college player, signing Miami quarterback D’Eriq King to an endorsement deal reportedly worth $20,000. 

Dexter reached out to College HUNKS after hearing about King’s signing. The company, which has over 160 locations nationwide, decided to partner with Dexter to help identify a franchise owner in the Gainesville market.

“Through our partnership with our existing college athletes as well as this new partnership with Gervon Dexter, we hope that we can help further his growth as he looks to lead the Florida Gators program, while also navigating school and life,” College HUNKS  co-founder Nick Friedman said of Dexter’s deal, of which financial terms were not disclosed. “We look forward to watching Dexter excel on the field and in the classroom this year.”  

Dexter announced his sponsorship on his social media pages, where he will be responsible for promoting the College HUNKS franchise opportunity in Gainesville. Dexter’s agent, Mark Bailey of 1st Down Sports, also tweeted about the signing.

“College HUNKS is an entrepreneurial organization that started as a college business plan, so I felt it would be awesome to align myself with them as a corporate partner,” Dexter said. “Gainesville needs a College HUNKS franchise in that market, and I hope I can help land one for this brand.”

Dexter has already capitalized on NIL with his own clothing line, G9 Apparel. His online merchandise sold out on the first day of sales.

Dexter, a former five-star recruit, played in all 12 games as a freshman last season, recording 19 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception.