Kool-Aid McKinstry discusses NIL deal with Kool-Aid, branding opportunities

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry wears his brand across his chest. On Wednesday, McKinstry garnished a flashy chain, highlighted by the Kool-Aid Man. Unsurprisingly, McKinstry boasts a partnership with the flavored-drink brand.

McKinstry holds a $758,000 annual NIL value, according to On3’s NIL valuation. The Alabama junior discussed his NIL experience on Wednesday at SEC Media Days. He began by discussing his partnership with Kool-Aid, and his custom chain.

Kool-Aid McKinstry popped off with the custom chain 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ye5EwTXqh5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 19, 2023

“It means a lot to me. The Kool-Aid Man means a lot to me,” McKinstry said with a smile. “When it comes to NIL, my family and my team, they work through it. But, right now, I’m really just focusing on the team and letting them handle all that stuff on the outside.”

McKinstry didn’t wait around to take advantage of his namesake in the NIL space. The 6-foot-1 defensive back struck a deal with Kool-Aid in August 2021. McKinstry announced the partnership with a reference to the Kool-Aid man’s famous catchphrase.

Sooooo does this mean I get to shout OH YEAH if I want when I walk into a new room 👀 ?🤔 @koolaid pic.twitter.com/YQJlysjHV5

— Kool-Aid “🎰” McKinstry (@GaQMcK1) August 18, 2021

Kool-Aid is certainly on anybody’s mind who watches the Crimson Tide. In 2022, McKinstry recorded a team-high 15 pass breakups along with two fumble recoveries and an interception that he returned 26 yards. The Alabama native earned first-team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus at cornerback for his efforts.

McKinstry can do more than break up a pass. He also ranked second among Division I punt returners with 332 yards. McKinstry averaged 15.8 yards per return, the second-most in the nation and best in the SEC.

McKinstry’s focus is key to his success. He repeatedly made it clear the game held priority over any off-field deals.

“Like I was saying, I let my team and family handle those types of things when it comes to NIL. I just focus on the team, and focus on what I need to do to help that team,” McKinstry said.

Under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, McKinstry has his eyes set on a national title this season.

“It’s something that I really want to do. So that’s what we’re working hard for as a team,” McKinstry said. “I mean, like I said, the mistakes that we made last year? We faced them, now we’re learning from them. And we’re making sure that we don’t make those same mistakes again.”

Watch McKinstry, and perhaps his Kool-Aid chain, hit the field on Sept. 2 in Alabama’s season opener against Middle Tennessee State.