Texas Tech has scored big off the field! The Red Raiders’ former quarterback Patrick Mahomes has orchestrated a game-changing deal, proving he’s as much of a maestro in the boardroom as he is on the gridiron. With a net worth estimated at $90 million, Mahomes isn’t just throwing touchdowns ““ he’s tossing golden opportunities back to his alma mater. Texas Tech’s partnership with Adidas, a 10-year deal, has hit paydirt. The deal marks the final whistle on Under Armour’s nearly two-decade run with the program. While the exact figures are under wraps tighter than a coach’s playbook before the Super Bowl, it’s reported to be a 107% increase from their previous contract. That’s like going from a field goal to a pick-six in terms of financial impact. Kirby Hocutt, Texas Tech’s Athletic Director, revealed the origins of this golden play. At a charity gala in Hawaii two years ago, Mahomes, channeling his inner Joe Montana, called an audible. Hocutt recounted, “He knew that our relationship with Under Armour was close to expiring and that we’d had preliminary discussions with Adidas. It was just perfect timing.” Talk about reading the defense!
This isn’t just Mahomes lending his name like a rental jersey. His stylized gladiator logo will be featured prominently, turning Texas Tech into the first school to sport his brand. It’s like having the Lombardi Trophy on your uniform before you’ve even won it. Mahomes, clearly as proud of his alma mater, stated, “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Texas Tech and I’m proud to have helped bring Red Raider Nation into the three-stripe fam. Today is just the beginning of an incredible partnership with Adidas, so stay tuned for more to come this fall that we’re excited to be working on together!”
This Adidas partnership isn’t just about looking good on the sidelines. It’s a power play that could reshape Texas Tech’s future faster than a no-huddle offense. One of the key formations in this playbook is the opportunity for Texas Tech athletes to join Adidas’ affiliate program. This opens up a new end zone for students to score commissions by promoting Adidas products. In the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, this is like having a secret weapon in your two-minute drill. Hocutt, seeing the field like a seasoned coach, recognizes the recruiting potential. He explained, “Patrick understands how the college landscape has evolved and changed. He’s able to connect and understand today’s college athlete, coach or any prospective student athlete. There are real opportunities to engage in the NIL space through his brand and Adidas to grow awareness and exposure for Patrick’s brand while benefiting Texas Tech and our student athletes.”
The timing of this deal is more perfect than a last-second touchdown pass. With the Big 12 Conference in a state of flux, losing heavy hitters like Oklahoma and Texas, Texas Tech has just drafted a franchise player in Adidas. Hocutt, channeling his inner Vince Lombardi, declared, “We’re not going to take a backseat to anyone and we expect to compete for championships. Anything that allows us to further strengthen that position is something that we’re going to explore aggressively.” In the high-stakes game of college athletics, Texas Tech has just executed a play that would make even the ’85 Bears’ defense take notice. With Mahomes as their main guy and Adidas providing the equipment
, the Red Raiders are suited up and ready to turn their Cinderella story into a dynasty. As they say in Texas, “Git ‘er done!”