Name, image and likeness rights have been a hot topic in the world of college sports in recent years, but if I told you that your pet could get an NIL deal of their own?
Well, you’re in luck: Olympic gold athletes are looking for athletic dogs and cats around the country to put paw to paper on an endorsement deal that could lead to them being featured in a national ad campaign, much like your favorite college football or basketball players. Nulo, a premium pet food brand, is sponsoring the deal as it prepares to launch its summer games with Petco; the companies are seeking cats and dogs to become the new face of "fueling healthier, happier lives for all pets and the people who love them," the press release stated.
Gold medalists Ryan Crouser (shot
put), Regan Smith (swimming) and Jessica Long (para swimming) are the judges who will place three dogs and three cats as gold, silver and bronze medalists for their respective divisions.
All six winners will receive an official Team Nulo pet athlete endorsement contract; however, grabbing gold means your pet will also be featured in a Nulo ad campaign while receiving free pet food for a year. Additionally, the pets at the top of their podiums will receive a personalized congratulations video from one of the gold medalist ambassadors, as well as:
- Custom collectible trading pins featuring the winning pet
- A custom Nulo kibble bag featuring the winning pet
- Signing day announcement moment
The pets coming in second and third will also earn an athlete endorsement contract with the following prizes:
- Six-month supply of pet food (silver); one-month supply of pet food (bronze)
- Team Nulo merch kit
Nulo Summer Games is accepting submissions for this contest through Aug. 26. In order to enter, pet parents must post a photo or video of their pet in action on Instagram, showing off their athleticism. For the submission to count, participants must follow @NuloPetFood and @Petco on Instagram, tag both accounts and include #Nulo_Contest in the caption of their post.
Specifically, Nulo says this nationwide contest aims to celebrate the athleticism, personalities and competitive spirit of dogs and cats around America.
The judges will evaluate submissions based on talents showcased in the post, entertainment value and the overall quality of the submission. Nulo’s website specifically highlighted running, swimming, catching, climbing and agility as athletic feats to put on display. That being said, there is a “wild card” category as well that acts as a catch-all for the laundry list of incredible things felines and canines can do.
Crouser, who won gold in the shot put at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janerio, Tokyo and Paris, said his dog motivates him to be the best version of himself, both on and off the field.
“My dog Koda is my training partner and one of my biggest supporters, so I love the idea of recognizing dogs and cats for their athletic abilities and the fun they bring to our lives,” said Crouser. “Koda’s athletic talent is diving, but, whether your pet is swimming in the pool, sprinting across the yard or just showing off, the Nulo Summer Games are a great reminder that every pet has an athlete inside them.”
Smith, who was part of two relay teams that won gold for Team USA in Paris, said her cat, Roo, was a key part of her support system while training for the 2024 games.
“Roo has been by my side through highs and lows, providing comfort and motivation with her unwavering affection,” Smith said. “Ensuring Roo receives the best nutritional care is not just a responsibility I take seriously, but a way for me to reciprocate her loyalty and love.”
Long, who has earned 18 gold medals across six Paralympic Games, said her dog, Goose, has helped her learn how to unwind after difficult training sessions.
“Every day I learn something new about Goose. He has such a personality, and he’s so determined,” she said. “He reminds me a lot of myself. If he doesn’t want to do something, he will refuse, which I think is hysterical. But he’s taught me so much — like when to have fun and when to not take life too seriously.”
Nulo says the gold, silver and bronze winners will be announced after the submission period closes. The company will make the announcement on its social media pages.
The full prize details can be found in the official contest rules on Nulo’s website.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Your pet can land an NIL-style deal: Enter Nulo and Petco’s Summer Games
