Cincinnati DL Dontay Corleone uses NIL rights for Godfather Burger

Cincinnati defensive lineman Dontay Corleone has entered into an NIL agreement with the local bar and restaurant Bucketheads as part of a new menu item called the Godfather Burger.

It’s a nod to Vito Corleone, the don of the Corleone family in “The Godfather” who was played by actor Marlon Brando. Corleone’s avatar on Twitter is a picture of Brando’s character. Cincy Reigns, a Bearcats-focused collective, facilitated the partnership.

Cincinnati Burger Week is scheduled for July 10-16, when participating restaurants will make burgers available for $7. For each purchase of the Godfather Burger, Bucketheads will contribute $2 to Corleone.

Corleone will wear jersey No. 2 in the 2023 season. He previously wore No. 58.

The Godfather Burger will feature barbecue beef brisket, American cheese and an onion ring.

“Bucketheads is proud to partner with Dontay Corleone,” Bucketheads owner Tom Scott said in a statement. “He’s a local sports star who stayed home and embodies the spirit of our restaurant with his tenacity and work ethic. We’re excited to support the Cincinnati community and UC student-athletes, and hope everyone gives the ‘Godfather Burger’ a try. We promise you will love it!”

Dontay Corleone’s On3 NIL Valuation

Corleone is a Cincinnati native who attended Colerain High School, where he was a three-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Corleone committed to Cincinnati after also receiving reported offers from schools including Air Force, Akron, Central Michigan, Liberty and Toledo.

After Corleone redshirted during the 2021 season, when Cincinnati became the first Group of Five program to reach the College Football Playoff, he developed into one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country. He finished the 2022 season with 45 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Corleone recorded a season-high 11 tackles against Navy.

Corleone was Pro Football Focus‘s highest-rated defensive player last season, according to Cincinnati. He earned AFCA Freshman All-American honors. He was also named an AP third team All-American.

Entering the 2023 season, Corleone has an On3 College Rating of four stars. He’s listed as the No. 12 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 196 player overall.

Corleone has an On3 NIL Valuation of $200,000, which ranks No. 265 nationally among college football players. He signed with Cincy Reigns in April.

“Proud to put Cincinnati on my chest and on my back,” he wrote in a tweet that announced the signing. “Stay tuned, y’all- this is just the beginning!”

Corleone also partnered with Medpace in February.