Applebee's NIL deal brings together Sunflower State rivals Jared Casey, Hayden Gillum

Kansas tight end Jared Casey was one of the first stars of the NIL Era.

After a successful game-winning, two-point conversion in the Jayhawks’ 2021 matchup against Texas, Casey was a school hero and became a NIL superstar. He appeared in an Applebee’s Grill + Bar commercial – “because you always gotta go for two” – that went viral.

The moment was one of the first indicators of the power of NIL for both a brand and a student-athlete. Casey stared again in another Applebee’s commercial ahead of the 2022 season with KU quarterback Jalon Daniels.

But Applebee’s changed things up ahead of kickoff for the 2023 season. This year, Casey is in an advertisement with Kansas State offensive lineman Hayden Gillum.

It’s a fun play on the Sunflower State rivalry and it’s a commercial sure to make both EMAW and Rock Chalk fans happy.

Jared Casey, Hayden Gillum – pride of Plainville

The NIL opportunity with Applebee’s is a special moment in the sun for Jared Casey and Hayden Gillum.

They both attended Plainville High School – population 1,200 – and were on the same high school team in 2017 when Gillum was a senior and Casey was a freshman. Gillum walked on at K-State before becoming an honorable mention All-Big 12 pick in 2022. Casey was also a walk-on. He had 18 receptions for 224 yards and four touchdowns in 2022 for the Jayhawks.

“Hey, look at us,” Casey says at the beginning of the commercial which filmed at the Applebee’s in Hays, Kansas.

“Who’d thought,” Hayden Gillum replies. “Two Plainville kids starring for our Kansas college football teams.”

As Gillum replies, Casey is distracted by a light materializing from the K-State lineman’s right hand.

“Jared is the blinding light from my Big 12 championship ring keeping you from seeing your Applebee’s wings,” Gillum asks as the camera zooms in on the ring. “Why don’t you let me pay for this one.”

“You know I got this,” Casey winks at the camera in response as he holds up a glowing sign that says, “This certificate allows Jared Casey free Applebee’s 4 Life.”

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A post shared by Jared Casey (@jaredcasey7)

The Wildcat and Jayhawk then fist bump as the commercial ends. Jared Casey first shared the video on his Instagram and it’s quickly picking up steam on X with college football fans outside of the Sunflower State. He’s again on the verge of going viral for a second time through an NIL partnership.

“The ability for athletes to take advantage of a moment is something that is far too often missed,” said Grant Frerking, the director of On3 Athlete Network Development.

“Whether it’s monetarily, or in a way to elevate your personal brand, there are always ways to use a moment that you have either created or played a role in, to benefit you. Jared Casey has done exactly that and more.”