Michigan collective starts 'one more year fund' to bring players back for another season

At a function in Arizona last week, Michigan running back Blake Corum — still on crutches following knee surgery for an injury suffered against Illinois — made an appearance in front of fans. The place erupted when he showed up with chants of “one more year! One more year!”

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He loved every minute of it. He said before the game he was a legit 50-50 on a return to Michigan for his senior season vs. going to the NFL, and sources say he’s been torn since.

“I’m still trying to figure that out, honestly,” he told NFL insider Adam Schefter on his podcast. “A lot has been happening recently with the injury. I’ve thought about it a little bit, but right now, I’m just trying to figure some things out, get my knee right. 

“I have a couple weeks before I have to decide on what’s best for me and what I should do. I’m going to try to put some puzzle pieces together and see what’s best.”

He has until Jan. 16 to declare, he noted. 

Corum continued to rehab on the West Coast, but he’s also been back in Ann Arbor. Now, the Valiant Management Group is doing its part to get him and others to stay by launching a “one more year” collective.

“Introducing the One More Year Fund™ — the crowdfunding campaign designed to retain key Michigan football players, starting with Blake Corum, Cornelius Johnson, Trevor Keegan, and Zak Zinter,” they wrote. “‘By donating, fans have the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the Michigan football team in pursuit of the 2023 National Championship by supporting NIL opportunities.

“Help us show the players how much we appreciate them and want them back in the Maize and Blue!”

The link to support the collective is here: One More Year Fund

From Valiant:

“As one of the officially supported collectives of the University of Michigan Athletic Department, Valiant Management Group is launching the One More Year Fund, a crowdfunding campaign designed to retain key Michigan football players like Blake Corum, Trevor Keegan, Zak Zinter and Cornelius Johnson. Fans have the option to donate any amount of money, but those who donate over $5,000 will receive exclusive donor benefits. Donations go directly to the One More Year Fund which is a dedicated NIL fund for key football players who return for the 2023 season and a run at the National Championship.

“100% of fund proceeds go to the players. Valiant’s goal is to raise as much money as possible … no donation is too big or too small. Help Valiant show the players how much the Maize and Blue faithful appreciate them and want them back in the winged helmet next year.”

Michigan A.D. asks for support of collectives

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel released a statement in December in support of several collectives.

With Michigan athletic teams representing this world-class institution at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics, consistently adding to and expanding school records in competition and graduation rates, I can state unequivocally that it is Great to Be a Michigan Wolverine!

Intercollegiate athletics continues to see rapid change at all levels – from rules interpretations and eligibility to strengthening the student-athlete experience and the rights of our young people. Among the many changes, the adoption and rapid evolution of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules dominate headlines and discussions with those who care deeply about our teams.

Since July 2021, student-athletes have been able to earn compensation for the use of their NIL in the context of promotional activities and endorsements, appearances, camps and lessons, autographed materials, NFTs and other digital collectibles, trading cards, and other licensed items, such as the many options available through The M Den, our official merchandise retailer.

As the first NCAA school to provide a uniform jersey licensing program for its student-athletes, the University of Michigan has leveraged numerous business relationships into innovative partnerships and educational opportunities since NIL went into effect. Michigan’s public-facing NIL business platform, the VICTORS Exchange, is the nation’s largest local exchange platform of any INFLCR partner school and achieved that standing just two days following its launch in 2021.

• Read More about NIL at Michigan

Updated guidance from the NCAA national office has expanded the scope of NIL offerings to entities known as collectives, which are third-party groups external to Michigan Athletics but who combine resources and expertise to provide NIL opportunities to our students. At this time, Michigan Athletics enjoys the support of four collectives, each notable in their own ways, that are actively working to provide our student-athletes with NIL opportunities. They are:

• Champions Circle
• MGoDAO
• Ann Arbor NIL Club
• Stadium & Main 

In keeping with our values and full support of a positive student-athlete experience here at Michigan, we welcome your support of these four organizations and the continued financial support of our partners, fans and supporters in ensuring that Michigan student-athletes continue to be the Leaders and Best!