Pitt Football Using NIL Deals to Give Back to the Local Community

The thought of name, image and likeness deals for some led to worry about amateur athletes just raking in money, but that doesn’t appear to be a concern for Pitt football.

Through giving back to local Boys and Girls Clubs, donating free meals to local cafes, fundraising for UPMC Children’s Hospital and raising awareness for suicide and mental health awareness, Pitt football has already been active in the local community.

Redshirt senior quarterback Kenny Pickett has been known to get involved in the local community, and with one of his NIL deals, he’s continued to give back to the community that welcomed him half a decade ago.

In partnering with PGT Trucking and Ithen USA, Pickett is selling t-shirts this year and all proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania. Additionally, he gave 200 free shirts to the club back in August as part of “Pickett’s Partners.”

Senior linebacker John Petrishen is another who is partnering with a clothing company to give back to the local community.

Petrishen, a native of Lower Burrell, Pa., and Campus Mogul launched “Team JP” and “Johnny Football” apparel, along with a No. 0 shirt jersey, with all proceeds going to the Knead Community Cafe in New Kensington, Pa. Petrishen will donate a free meal to the cafe for every tackle he makes this season with the proceeds of his apparel funding the meals.

Redshirt senior long snapper Cal Adomitis isn’t quite using an NIL deal to benefit others, but he announced “Cal’s Kids” fundraiser to benefit the children at the UPMC Children’s Hospital. Adomitis, who attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, announced a goal of $94,000 dollars with the promise to shave his signature long, curly hair if the goal can be met.

Tre Tipton, a redshirt senior wide receiver from Apollo, Pa., partnered with Spreadshop to provide apparel. 25% of all proceeds from Tipton’s apparel sales will go to his organization, L.O.V.E., to shed light on suicide and mental health awareness.

Trauma doesn’t make you a victim it makes you a warrior

I'm partnering with @SpreadshopHQ to shed light on suicide and mental health awareness! ❤️

25% of proceeds will support my organization, L.O.V.E.

Click the link in my bio to support!#spreadshopathlete #ad pic.twitter.com/GCcLjgPYFA

— Tre Tipton (@Tipton_05) October 6, 2021

With student-athletes across the country profiting off the NIL rule changes, Pitt football is profiting while still finding a way to give back to the community through charitable opportunities.