NiJaree Canady has achieved a new feat, launching a player edition cleat with adidas.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the softball player transferred from Stanford University to play for Texas Tech. She reportedly secured a one-year deal with Texas Tech’s collective Matador Club that was valued at $1.1 million. According to The Athletic, this was the highest NIL deal for a softball player at the time, the second-highest deal valued at nearly $175,000. What’s more, the following year, she received a $1.2 million renewal, according to Forbes.
Today, Canady continues to make historic strides, becoming the first college softball player to launch a player edition cleat with adidas, On3 reported. She debuted the shoe during a team victory against Fresno State University on Feb. 19.
Fans will be able to snag a pair of the cleats later this season, according to Front Office Sports.
“Such a dream come true! So incredibly blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to come out with my own cleat!” Canady wrote on Instagram.
Canady is signed to Team Mahomes, a partnership between adidas and Patrick Mahomes that led to the launch of an NIL cohort for students at Texas Tech, according to a news release. The NIL cohort is intended to empower athletes with opportunities on and off the field.
Canady was part of the inaugural cohort of 2024, per the release.
“This partnership represents a new chapter in her journey, both as an athlete and as a role model for young people who aspire to excel in sports,” said Prestige Management Group co-founder Derrick Shelby in a press release, the organization that manages Canady.
Canady has also signed an NIL deal with Venmo, reports Sports Illustrated. According to On3, she has an NIL valuation of $963,000, reportedly the highest in college softball.
