Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux to offer NIL deals to walk-on athletes

Louisiana-based sports bar chain restaurant Walk-On’s will offer NIL endorsement deals to walk-on athletes, according to a press release from the company. The “Walk-On of the Week” program will award NIL deals to collegiate athletes throughout the season. The winners will join brand co-owner Drew Brees and franchisee Dak Prescott in the Walk-On’s Family of Athletes.

“We created this program to highlight the real magic of sports – the underdog,” Brandon Landry, founder & CEO of Walk-On’s, said in the release. “Walk-on athletes endure the same grueling workouts as the scholarship players and in many cases, work jobs to help pay for school.  With NIL changing the landscape of collegiate athletics, we want to make sure that walk-ons aren’t left out and receive the recognition and support they deserve. We’re grateful to tell their stories and welcome them to our Family of Athletes.”

Walk-On of the Week program

The company’s plans to recognize achievements in all sports and all divisions through its social media campaign. They will honor men’s and women’s athletes who play underdog throughout the year.

Walk-On’s first NIL partnership brings Arkansas linebacker Grant Morgan, a former walk-on and 2020 All-American, into the fold to help start the program. Morgan finished with 111 tackles and two sacks last season.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and so excited to be a part of the Walk-On’s family,” said Morgan. “Sports would not be the same without underdogs and it’s truly special to have Walk-On’s share their stories.”

Morgan arrived at Arkansas as a walk-on in 2016, joining his older brother Drew Morgan. Grant redshirted his first season before making 38 tackles in 2017. The four-time academic honor roll honoree had a breakout season in 2020, bursting onto the national scene with his 19-tackle performance against Ole Miss. He later repeated the feat against LSU, becoming the first SEC player since 2012 to record multiple 19-tackle games.

Related ventures

The company has also partnered with MatchPoint Connection, which allows college athletes to apply for NIL opportunities. They will be able to submit a partnership proposal directly to Walk-On’s and others.

Walk-On’s was founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry, a former walk-on basketball player at LSU. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the sports bar brings Louisiana inspired dishes to more than 50 locations across the United States. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees joined as a co-owner in 2015 and has been their lead spokesperson.

Image courtesy of Wesley Hitt/Getty Images