Page 68 of Red Zone
I sit up straighter. “So, I’ve been focusing on athlete branding—specifically NIL strategy for college players.”
Her brows lift. “Go on.”
“There’s this whole gap between how athletes present themselves on the field versus online.
Most of them don’t have a team behind them, and the ones that do—they’re usually handed cookie-cutter content that doesn’t reflect who they are. I want to build a campaign for a mock athlete brand, focusing on authenticity and storytelling. Not just highlight reels and sponsorships.”
Callie nods slowly, her eyes narrowing—not in a bad way. In a calculating, this-has-potential kind of way.
“I want to show how a strategic identity—tone, visuals, even timing of posts—can elevate a player’s value, not just for NIL deals but long-term marketability. Think, building a legacy, not just chasing the next free hoodie.”
Callie taps her fingers against the table. “And your target demo?”
“College athletes. D1 level, ideally. But the campaign would be scalable for recruits or even walk-ons. Anyone trying to build their profile from the ground up.”
She pauses, then grins. “Damn. Okay, that’s…really solid. Have you picked an athlete to use as your subject?”
I hesitate for half a second too long.
Because I have. I just don’t want to admit it out loud.
“Is it…someone you know?” she presses.
“Yeah,” I admit, cheeks warming. “Quarterback. High profile. Local.”
Callie raises one perfectly shaped brow. “Anyone I’d know?”
I shake my head quickly. “He’s not really the point. It’s more about how storytelling can humanize athletes and shift public perception—especially with players who have a reputation that doesn’t reflect who they actually are.”
“Like…if someone was known as a party boy, but they’re actually more layered than that?”
My jaw tightens. “Exactly.”
Callie leans back, studying me like she’s trying to read between the lines. “I love it. Just make sure you stay focused on the strategy, not the guy. Sound fair?”
I nod. “Totally fair.”
She gives me a knowing smile, then pushes off the table and moves to the next group.
I stare at my screen for a second too long, blinking down at the words Q4 deliverables: brand voice and audience engagement analysis.
I’m not doing this for Carter.
Not really.
Okay, maybe a little.
But he’s just the subject. The variable in my case study.
Still…my heart skips when I think about how he looked at me Sunday night. Not like I was a hookup he regretted. Like I was a person he saw.
I shake it off and start typing notes.
This is about me.
My goals. My career.
And if he just so happens to be the reason I’m inspired? That’s nobody’s business but mine.
