Sights and sounds: Wolverines take helicopter ride over The Big House, more with Michigan Army National Guard
Michigan Wolverines football players have signed all sorts of NIL deals, none more unique than the partnership 120 student-athletes took part in with the Michigan Army National Guard. The kickoff event took place Friday at the Grand Ledge Armory.
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The NIL opportunity was made possible due to former Michigan player Jared Wangler and his agency, Valiant Management. U-M players flew in Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters over the Metro Detroit area, which included a flyover of The Big House.
Quarterbacks Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, along with running back Blake Corum and others, all rode together on their helicopter. The day allowed Michigan players to bond together while also meeting military members and sharing about their similarities.
The Wolverines also got to experience military vehicles and meet with active duty members. The team was welcomed by the Belmont Armory 126th Army Band, who played the school fight song. Players paused for a brief photo op at the Memorial Wall and will heard remarks by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Senior wide receiver / defensive back Mike Sainristil shared a video recap of the day with his Michigan teammates, showing everything from the bus ride over to the military vehicles to the flyover.
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“Huge thank you to [Valiant] and [the national guard] for making this opportunity possible,” Sainristil wrote in an Instagram caption.
Freshman defensive back Will Johnson shared a set of photos on his own Instagram account.
“Appreciate the Michigan Army National Guard for the great experience,” Johnson posted.
Part of the object of the event for the Michigan Army National Guard was to “share MIARNG messaging with their peer group of 17-24-year-olds,” according to a press release.
“The Michigan Army National Guard steps up and serves Michigan communities every day,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Joining the Guard is a great way to kickstart your career and embark on pathways to higher education, skills training and good paying jobs. I am grateful for the collaboration between these student-athletes and the Michigan National Guard to highlight the Guard’s excellent career options – a partnership made possible by the NIL legislation I signed in 2020. As a Spartan mom with two Wolverine daughters, today I am proud to join the UofM student-athletes on Team Michigan. Go Blue and go Guard!”
