Arkansas RB Raheim Sanders announces NIL deal with Huggies

Arkansas running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders announced Thursday night on Twitter that he has partnered with Huggies through a name, image and likeness agreement. The NIL deal has a personal meaning for Sanders, who has a young son.

“Hey guys, I’m excited to let you know that I have partnered with Huggies,” Sanders said in the video. “As you know, my son is my top priority. Did you know one in three American families experience diaper needs? This month, Huggies will be donating a day’s worth of diapers to National Diaper Bank Network. For each pack of wipes or diapers purchased at Sam’s Club, they’ve pledged to donate up to two million diapers. My local Northwest Arkansas fans, see my caption for more details about (how) to get involved through the Diaper Collective.”

The campaign runs during the month of February. In a follow-up tweet, Sanders wrote that Huggies will donate six diapers for each purchase of Huggies diapers or wipes.

The National Diaper Bank Network’s website says it “provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential. We work in partnership with our Network of diaper banks, allied programs, donors, sponsors, and elected officials to end diaper need and period poverty in the United States.”

Athletes, agents and advocates often promote finding partnerships that align with an athlete’s personal brand or causes that are important to an athlete. Sanders’ partnership with Huggies shows that alignment, based on his own experience and a charitable component that involves giving back to the community.

Last month, Cincinnati defensive lineman Jowon Briggs tweeted at several brands, including Huggies and Pampers, “Any NIL opportunities for (football) players with little ones lol????” The tweet included a picture of his family.

Raheim Sanders’ NIL partners include OneArkansas NIL

In January, Sanders re-signed with the Arkansas-aligned NIL collective OneArkansas NIL. The collective announced that Sanders will promote non-profit organizations such as the Family Network.

The Family Network’s stated mission is to “meet the needs of families in Northwest Arkansas for individualized parenting education and family support,” according to its website.

In addition to re-signing Sanders and quarterback KJ Jefferson, OneArkansas NIL recently announced team-wide agreements with Arkansas’ women’s basketball and gymnastics teams.

Sanders has also partnered with Can’t See Apparel.

Last season, Sanders rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 271 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.