Likely No. 1 overall NFL draft pick QB Andrew Luck “is close to signing a multiyear footwear and apparel deal with Nike,” according to sources cited by Terry Lefton in this week’s SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. A “source close to the deal said that an agreement in principle” with Luck was “reached in late February, with a final contract expected to be signed shortly.” The move comes as Nike assumes NFL on-field apparel rights April 1 for the next five years, taking over from Reebok. Luck will be the “lead athlete” for Nike’s marketing efforts in and around the April NFL Draft, and “may also take part in a launch of Nike’s NFL uniforms, which are expected to be shown to NFL owners at their March meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., and revealed publicly for the first time in April” (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/5 issue). Robert Griffin III, who is expected to be the second QB taken in the draft, has already signed with adidas (THE DAILY).
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: SI's Peter King reports fans will be "hearing a lot of Will Wilson in the next few weeks." Wilson is Luck's agent and also his uncle. Luck's father, Oliver, was the one to suggest Wilson "be considered Andrew's agent." Wilson: "I never had a discussion with them until after the Fiesta Bowl (in January). I suppose there's a lot of trust in my abilities. It's pretty compelling he'll be our only football client, and I'll be able to devote all my time on his representation." King notes Wilson's "easiest job likely will be the contract he negotiates" with whatever team selects Luck, as most deals for top picks according to the new CBA, "are nearly locked in." It is "off-field apparel, merchandise and endorsement deals that will be Wilson's concentration -- and making sure the demands of being the first pick in the draft don't interfere with Luck's football" (SI.com, 3/5).
