Guinness World Record: 7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux Commits to Edmonton Oilers, Turning Down $3.5 Million Offers from Top NCAA Programs’
In a move that has stunned both the hockey and basketball worlds, 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux—officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest player in hockey history—has committed to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, choosing to forgo a combined $3.5 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offers from powerhouse NCAA schools including Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Texas.
Rioux, already a global sensation thanks to his record-breaking height, has captivated sports fans since being featured as a 12-year-old phenom towering over his competition. Now 19, he has defied expectations by choosing hockey over the sport most assumed would be his destiny: basketball. While colleges lined up with multimillion-dollar endorsement packages, Rioux had a different dream—one rooted on the ice.
“It’s always been hockey,” Rioux said in a statement released by the Edmonton Oilers. “People saw my height and assumed I’d follow a path to the NBA, but I grew up skating in Quebec. The rink was my first love, not the court.”
The decision marks a groundbreaking moment in the NHL’s history. Not only is Rioux the tallest player to ever play professional hockey, but he is also the first player to turn down high-profile NCAA basketball offers of this magnitude to pursue a career on the ice.
The Oilers, currently a top-tier NHL team with playoff aspirations, view Rioux as both a potential franchise player and a marketing icon. His size gives him an unprecedented reach on the ice, and despite skepticism about how his height would translate to hockey, scouts have praised his coordination, reach, and surprising agility for his frame.
“It’s not just about height,” said Edmonton’s General Manager. “Olivier has worked tirelessly to adapt his game. He’s agile, smart, and has an imposing physical presence. He changes the game just by being on the ice.”
Analysts have drawn comparisons between Rioux and iconic players like Zdeno Chára, who stood at 6-foot-9 and was long considered one of the tallest and most effective defensemen in NHL history. However, at a full foot taller than the average NHL player, Rioux presents a unique challenge—and opportunity—for opponents and teammates alike.
His story has also sparked renewed conversation about multi-sport athletes and the changing dynamics of collegiate versus professional sports. With NIL deals now rivaling pro contracts, it is increasingly rare for athletes to turn down large sums in favor of a passion-driven path.
Still, Rioux remains focused. “Money comes and goes,” he said. “But chasing your dream? That only happens once.”
As Rioux prepares to suit up for the Oilers next season, fans around the world are watching closely. Will his immense stature redefine defensive strategies? Could he become one of the NHL’s most dominant enforcers? One thing is clear: Olivier Rioux has already made history—and he’s just getting started.
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