John Daly weighs in on state of NIL, son's deal with Hooters

John Daly is in an interesting position when it comes to NIL and collegiate athletics. While Daly himself didn’t benefit from NIL while at Arkansas, the professional golfer has watched his son ink lucrative deals, as John Daly II has followed in his father’s footsteps with the Razorbacks.

During an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, Daly weighed in on the state of NIL, as well as his son’s deal with Hooters.

“A guy like Dak Prescott, he’s been out of Mississippi State for like four years now, they’re still selling his jersey. The NCAA and Mississippi State are still making money off of him,” started Daly. “Why isn’t Dak not making money on it? Why shouldn’t kids be able to make some money, and take that money and maybe get an insurance policy on themselves for a lot of money, incase they don’t go pro or get hurt, or something like that.

“The NCAA, I don’t like them. I think they have too much control. NIL needs to just keep going, and kids need to get paid.”

As you can see, Daly has some strong opinions on NIL, and the NCAA as a whole. Continuing, the eccentric golfer despises seeing college athletes miss out on monetary opportunities, believing they certainly deserve their piece of the pie.

“You want them happy. First of all, you want them healthy,” Daly responded, speaking about college athletes as a whole. “You look at college athletes, you want them to stay healthy. They get recruited big, and you hope they stay healthy. Like I said, I think they deserve something.”

John Daly hit the nail right on the head when it comes to NIL and collegiate athletics. As his son racks up the sponsorships, his first-hand account is something to hold in high regard when it comes to the topic.

More on John Daly, son’s NIL deal with Hooters

Furthermore, John Daly II is attempting to follow in his father’s footsteps. The son of legendary golfer John Daly, he had a front-row seat in watching one of the most entertaining golfers to ever grace the sport.

First, Daly II decided to dedicate his athletic ability to the game his father excelled in. Then, he chose to attend the University of Arkansas, the same school his father attended before turning professional. Finally — and perhaps most importantly — Daly II is partnering with Hooters as an NIL ambassador, a brand his father has been associated with in the past.

After the news broke, Daly II delivered a legendary quote regarding the relationship between Hooters and his surname.

“I have seen my father’s great relationship with Hooters over the years, and I am proud to continue my family’s association with this iconic brand,” stated Daly, via Front Office Sports.

Hooters doesn’t always create positive developments between fathers and their families. However, that’s far from the case for the Daly family. According to Front Office Sports, the deal is a multi-year partnership.

“Both golfers will be included in social media and digital activations as part of the deal,” wrote Amanda Cristovich of Front Office Sports. “They’ll wear Hooters clothing and host in-person events at restaurants, and the senior Daly’s caddie will carry a Hooters golf bag during the PGA Tour Champions circuit.”

The partnership with John Daly II marks Hooters’ first NIL deal since collegiate athletics entered a new space. If it goes well, the restaurant could look to expand their horizons. However, there may never be as good of a candidate as Daly II for the brand.