Jeremy Ruckert, Paris Johnson sign NIL deal with Mark Wahlberg

Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert and offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. have signed an NIL deal with Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet in Columbus. Ruckert tweeted a photo of himself next to a truck outside of the car dealership Friday.

“Huge thanks to Mark Wahlberg and all the guys at Wahlberg Chevy for hooking it up with this truck,” Ruckert said. “Excited to work together!”

Johnson’s mother, Monica Daniels, tweeted a similar photo of her son next to an SUV.

“Big things are happening for Paris Johnson Jr. at Wahlberg Chevy,” she said. “Thank you Wahlberg Chevy Columbus for the hospitality.”

Actor Mark Wahlberg owns the dealership in Columbus, as well as another location in Worthington, Ohio. Both players were fresh off of a 45-31 victory against Minnesota on Thursday evening.

The Buckeyes made headlines in the world of NIL recently because of freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers. The young player signed a three-year deal worth $1.4 million earlier this week.

Ohio State has not been shy in attempting to gives its players as many opportunities as possible in this new era of college sports. The Buckeyes are one of several schools to partner with The Brandr Group to sell jerseys with player names on the back. They also have an NIL section on their website where potential partners can submit a form for player sponsorship.

Ruckert and Johnson are just the latest two in a growing number of Ohio State players taking advantage of the new rules.

Ruckert finished with five touchdowns a season ago. He was held to just one catch for 15 yards in the season opener against the Golden Gophers.

The Buckeyes lost to Alabama in the national championship game this past season. They have a good chance to return to the College Football Playoff this season. Ohio State next takes to the field Sept. 11 against Oregon.

College athletes have long been treated like celebrities, but now thanks to NIL deals from sponsors such as Mark Wahlberg, they can be paid like them too.