Notre Dame QB CJ Carr uses new NIL deal to raise funds to fight pediatric brain cancer

Notre Dame freshman quarterback CJ Carr is using his NIL for a good cause – supporting research to find a cure for pediatric brain cancer.

Carr announced a new NIL deal on Wednesday with Napleton’s Countryside Mazda in Countryside, Illinois. As part of the partnership, Carr is promoting the auto group’s vehicles, including the 2024 Mazda CX-50 he’s now driving. But most importantly, Carr is supporting the dealership’s fight against pediatric brain cancer.

It’s a cause near and dear to Carr, who lost his little brother, Chad, to a type of brain cancer called DIPG eight years ago. The Carr family launched the ChadTough Foundation in his brother’s honor. It’s also a fight that’s important to Steve Napleton’s family. Napleton lost his daughter, Violet, to the same disease in 2022.

“I’m really excited about the partnership,” Carr said. “This car is awesome. That’s not the real reason I’m excited. I wanted to partner with the Steve Napleton Auto Group because of their commitment to fighting pediatric brain cancer. … Since 2022, every May and October they donate to the Violet Foundation for pediatric brain cancer for every car they sell or service.

“The Violet Foundation shares the same goal as our family’s foundation – to save the lives of children diagnosed with DIPG. So, if you’re in the market for a new car or need any servicing done, I highly recommend checking out Napleton’s Countryside Mazda. Not only will you be getting an amazing vehicle like the Mazda CX -50, but you’ll also be contributing to a cause that’s close to my heart.”

Big expectations on tap for CJ Carr

This is believed to be the first NIL brand deal for CJ Carr, who arrived at Notre Dame this spring with a lofty recruiting resume. But it won’t be his last. He has a solid following on social media, plus a family pedigree that has generated national headlines.

CJ Carr is the grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who guided the program from 1995-2007, compiled a 122-40 record and won the 1997 national championship. Carr’s maternal grandfather is Tom Curtis, a former All-American and College Football Hall of Fame Michigan safety. Jason Carr, Lloyd’s son and CJ’s father, was a quarterback at Michigan in the 1990s. 

Carr signed with Notre Dame as part of the 2024 recruiting class, and he was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in Michigan and the No. 6 quarterback in the country. Carr enrolled early at Notre Dame and he was one of the highlights of the Fighting Irish’s spring practices.

According to BlueandGold.com, Carr first arrived for bowl practice in December and, paraphrasing Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman soaked everything in like a sponge. He absorbed information from quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli and used it to play like a veteran during spring ball.

“Carr’s pocket awareness, accuracy and the way the ball jumps out of his hand are all signs that he’s going to be the guy at Notre Dame sooner than later,” BlueandGold’s Jack Soble wrote. “He also showed that he has the natural leadership to galvanize the Irish and take the program where it wants to go.”