CJ Stroud makes 'platinum' contribution to Ohio State's NIL collective

THE Foundation, an NIL collective for THE Ohio State University has officially partnered with its first former athlete as Texans quarterback and former OSU star CJ Stroud has become a donor.

Not just any donor, either. Stroud pledged a significant chunk of change to THE Foundation and they announced he is an Official Founders Club Platinum Donor, meaning he contributed somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000.

Here was THE Foundation’s tweet announcing Stroud as a donor:

ANNOUNCEMENT🚨Proud that CJ Stroud is our first former student athlete partner to become a major donor and “pay it forward” as he paves the way for those to come next. Thanks so much for your support of THE Foundation CJ. You are truly a Buckeye for life! https://t.co/htkLB83pbF pic.twitter.com/5LQF12LjMx

— THE Foundation (@TheFoundation1_) January 22, 2024

There are a number of perks and and special opportunities afforded to THE Foundation’s donors, especially those under the platinum designation. You would assume Stroud already has access to many of these privileges as a former star quarterback for the program, but just for reference, here are the benefits for platinum level donors such as Stroud:

Via THE Foundation’s official website

• Meet and greet with Ohio State Student Athlete or former Ohio State Student Athlete
• Table at our next event with coaches and student athletes
• Two (2) pre-game field passes for an Ohio State football game
• Private Tour of Woody Hayes Facility
• Access to creative interviews and video segments
  – We will coordinate a video and photo shoot between an Ohio State athlete and your company.
• Recognition at events via announcements & promotions
• Signed autograph football by Cardale Jones or J.T. Barrett
• Photo with Coach Day at The Foundation’s next event

Other donor levels include… Silver, for those who donate a minimum of $1,000; Gold, for donors of $10,000 or more; Platinum; and then Major, for donors of $100,000 or higher.

Background on THE Foundation

Created by former Buckeye Cardale Jones and Brian Schottenstein, here is the backstory on how THE Foundation came to be:

“Cardale Jones was the championship winning quarterback on Ohio State’s 2014 National Championship team. In winning the first ever college football championship, Cardale received a lot of notoriety. Unfortunately, he was unable to capitalize on his name, image and likeliness at the time. When the opportunity presented itself to help other Ohio State Athletes benefit on NIL while simultaneously promoting charitable organizations, it was the perfect calling for Cardale.

“Brian Schottenstein is a successful real estate developer and President of Schottenstein Real Estate Group. Brian has always been passionate about supporting charities, the local community and Ohio State athletics. Brian was at the forefront in realizing how much of a positive impact The Foundation could have by tapping into Ohio State’s rabid fanbase.

“Cardale and Brian became friends several years prior to launching The Foundation. They testified for NIL at the state house to support Ohio college athletes profiting on their name, image and likeness. Senate Bill 187 was unanimously passed.

“The idea for The Foundation was formulated in 2021 and the 501(c)(3) was established in February of 2022.

“The Foundation has an impressive board of directors with some of the most well-respected business leaders in Central Ohio. There are also former Ohio State athletes on the board, who have a pulse on how to capitalize on NIL.

“Brian and Cardale will now leverage their expertise on business, athletics and charity to take The Foundation to great heights.”