The first major public signing in collegiate athlete history will take place on July 31 in Chicago at the National Sports Collectors Convention.
That's when University of Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler will be signing autographs and taking pictures for compensation thanks to the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules that went into place July 1.
Rattler will sign at a table in the autograph pavilion run by sports memorabilia company Tri-Star at 11:15 am CT at the convention. Other players that will sign around the time Rattler is there are Barry Sanders and Michael Irvin, who can be had for the same price as Rattler. Other autograph guests that day, Emmitt Smith and Hulk Hogan, cost more at $235 and $229 per standard autograph, respectively.
Rattler is among the most highly coveted college athletes in terms of name, image and likeness marketing, thanks to being the Heisman Trophy favorite. He has his own logo, his own merchandise and signed a deal with Raising Canes. He is represented by Steinberg Sports and Chris Cabott for marketing, the group that represents Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa.
Long day at #Elite11 yesterday. Had to call in @Raising_Canes for the win🔥#caniacambassadorpic.twitter.com/t5ZZGsoCC5
— Spencer Rattler (@SpencerRattler) July 3, 2021
He has done at least 18 cameos and has raised his price from $125 per video to $177.
There are some college athletes who will have public signings before Rattler, just not on par with him. Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming and cornerback Sevyn Banks will be signing at a mall in Dublin, Ohio on July 17. The company running the event, Ohio Sports Group, is charging $25 per signature and $15 per inscription.
