**ESPN Officially Confirms Deontae Lawson Rejects \$205 Million NIL Contract: Alabama LB Inks Record‑Breaking Deal, the Largest Endorsement in College Sports History**

**ESPN Officially Confirms Deontae Lawson Rejects \$205 Million NIL Contract: Alabama LB Inks Record‑Breaking Deal, the Largest Endorsement in College Sports History**

In a groundbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves throughout the college sports world, ESPN has officially confirmed that Alabama linebacker **Deontae Lawson** has **rejected a staggering \$205 million NIL offer** from an undisclosed powerhouse program—reportedly Ohio State or Texas. Instead, Lawson has signed a **record-breaking endorsement deal** to remain at Alabama, making it the **largest individual NIL contract in college sports history**.

Lawson, a standout defender and team leader for the Crimson Tide, has cemented his status not only as a force on the field but now as a trailblazer in the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. The historic deal is estimated to be worth **over \$101 million**, backed by a network of Alabama-based sponsors, corporate partners, and NIL collectives with deep ties to the university.

The \$205 million offer Lawson turned down was said to include endorsements, equity stakes, national marketing campaigns, and private appearance incentives. It would have made him the highest-paid athlete in the history of amateur football—college or otherwise. But in a decision that stunned even close insiders, Lawson opted for loyalty over the biggest payday.

> “My heart is in Tuscaloosa,” Lawson said in a statement released by the university. “This program built me. It’s more than money—it’s about legacy, loyalty, and finishing what I started with my brothers at Alabama.”

According to ESPN insiders, Lawson’s deal includes long-term endorsement commitments, national commercials, social media campaigns, and lifetime brand partnership opportunities post-college. The deal is structured not just around monetary value, but also around **personal brand development**, mentorship, and future business ventures—positioning Lawson for long-term success both on and off the field.

This decision marks a pivotal moment in NIL history. Since the NCAA opened the doors to NIL deals in 2021, college athletes have begun earning millions through sponsorships. But no one has approached the figures now attached to Lawson. His deal eclipses even those of high-profile quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Shedeur Sanders, whose endorsements reportedly sit in the \$5–\$10 million range.

On the field, Lawson is just as impressive. He recorded 76 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in the 2024 season, even while missing games due to injury. His leadership and athleticism are expected to anchor Alabama’s defense for the 2025 campaign, with national championship hopes very much alive.

Analysts say Lawson’s decision sends a powerful message—that culture, loyalty, and personal values still matter in an increasingly commercialized college football landscape. Paul Finebaum called it “one of the most impactful decisions of the NIL era,” and Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer praised Lawson’s commitment and leadership.

As the NIL era evolves, Deontae Lawson’s choice may redefine what it means to be a college athlete—not just in terms of dollars, but in legacy.

With this unprecedented contract, Lawson has not only rewritten NIL history—he’s also rewritten the narrative about what truly matters in college sports.