Will Shipley talks about Dabo Swinney’s commitment to NIL

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney made headlines in December for his comments on NIL. But Tigers running back Will Shipley wants people to know his coach is committed to moving forward in this new era of college sports.

After Swinney said on Early Signing Day that Clemson builds its “program in God’s Name, Image and Likeness,” it raised quite a few eyebrows around the country. However, in a recent appearance on the Next Up with Adam Breneman podcast, Shipley shared an anecdote about how Swinney helped him increase his NIL revenue.

Shipley began selling t-shirts, hoodies and other apparel with the phrase “Ship Happens” on the front during the 2021 season, the first year that athletes were allowed to profit from NIL. He explained on the podcast that he never would have thought of that idea if not for an interaction he had with Swinney.

“It came to fruition my freshman year after we beat Florida State,” he said. “I scored the game-winning touchdown. It was a night game and coach Swinney calls me. It’s gotta be probably 12 o’clock. He’s like, ‘Hey, Ship. I’m here with some of my closest friends and I came into the house and she said, Ship happens.’ He’s like, ‘I love it. You’ve gotta make an idea out of it.’

“This was right when NIL was ramping up. He’s like, ‘I’m gonna go on my radio show and I’m gonna say it because I think it’s hilarious. But before anyone else does, you should trademark it and really try to make something out of it.’ So he helped me in that process.”

As Shipley has continued to find success on the field, the trademark has brought in more and more money. The running back broke the 1,000-yard mark this past season and scored 15 touchdowns along with 38 catches for 242 yards receiving. Shipley currently has an NIL valuation of $326,000 according to On3.

He believes that should send a message to anyone doubting Dabo Swinney’s ability to create NIL opportunities for his players.

“It’s blowing up and it’s bigger than it’s ever been in terms of t-shirt sales and just the money that I’m receiving from it,” he said. “That’s all coach Swinney. I would’ve never thought of that idea. Would’ve never thought of that phrase. For all the people who don’t think he’s advocating for it, that’s a prime example of it right there. He wants to see us succeed and thrive in the NIL era as well.”

Clemson has just one player — linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. ($431,000) — among the top 100 NIL earners in college football. However, the Tigers have eight players including Shipley on their roster with an NIL valuation of $200,000 or higher.

It’s still early in this new era, and many coaches and programs are still learning how to navigate these new waters. But this story from Shipley serves as proof that Swinney wants his players to make the most of these new opportunities and is equipped to help them do so.