'Entrepreneur' Blake Corum in process of flipping a house: 'I'm going to build an empire'
Michigan Wolverines football senior running back Blake Corum is more than just a football player — that much is for sure. Corum says his “purpose” is to give back, and he’s done just that, with giving away turkeys to the less fortunate on Thanksgiving being among his philanthropic acts. Capitalizing on his name, image and likeness has allowed him to help others. He’s also profiting for himself, of course, and he’s turned into quite the businessman.
The Athletic reported earlier this year that Corum could make over $1 million during his final year as a Michigan Wolverine.
“Corum, per a team source, is looking at a substantial six-figure paycheck through an NIL deal next season, with the possibility (through off-field incentives) of pushing that number into seven figures,” the site’s Nick Baumgardner wrote. “It’s possible he leaves school as a millionaire.”
It appears he’s using some of that capital to make further investments, including with real estate. Speaking on The 33rd Team’s ‘Road To Recovery,’ Corum revealed that he and his father, James, bought, improved and are in the process of selling it.
“I’ve been up to some business moves, as well,” Corum said on The 33rd Team, after discussing his youth camps he’s hosted recently. “My first house I bought a couple months ago with my dad, it just hit the market. So we’re flipping houses now. I’m into real estate and stuff like that.
“I’m trying to find that next move. I’m going to eventually build an empire.”
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The Michigan star’s father has been in the real estate game in the past, with that experience helping the duo out in this new endeavor.
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“What motivates me to be that entrepreneur is really just growing up and seeing my dad and my mom start a business from nothing and turning it into something,” Corum said. “That’s why I’m doing business with my dad; I’m also doing business with other people, as well. But my dad was into real estate for quite a while. Just watching him through ups and downs — real estate can be good, it also can be bad at times. It’s a lot of learning.”
Corum is also leveraging his connections at Michigan as he sets out on his entrepreneurial journey.
“I’m learning from a lot of alumni. I go to one of the greatest universities — in my opinion, the greatest university — in the world. You really just try to reach out to the people who are doing it, and that’s what I’m doing, trying to be a sponge and soak things up from these alumni who are in the game and super successful. And then just put it in my toolbox, take it back and build my own.”
Corum rushed for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, earning unanimous All-America honors. He finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting. Corum surprised the college football world by returning for his senior season, putting his NFL future on hold in order to chase a national championship and remain a positive influence in the Ann Arbor community.
Corum will represent the Wolverines in Indianapolis at Big Ten Media Days July 27, along with senior defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and graduate defensive back Mike Sainristil. Michigan kicks off the 2023 season Sept. 2 against East Carolina.
