Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price has secured one of the most unique NIL deals in college football, a partnership with celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang. But according to Price, the collaboration is about much more than just custom bling.
The Fighting Irish star, who racked up seven touchdowns last season, recently visited Dang’s famous Houston store to design a one-of-a-kind piece. While the diamonds are impressive, Price emphasized that the real value of the deal lies in the connections and business opportunities it provides.
“It’s gonna go a long way,” Price said of the NIL partnership. “Just sharing contacts, meeting him and the people around him who helped him have his success.”
The deal is a testament to how NIL opportunities are reshaping college sports, allowing athletes to align with high-profile figures like Dang, whose clientele includes Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and several superstar athletes.
“It’s not just about the quick cash, flashy chains … but also the networking piece,” Price added.
Dang’s entry into the NIL space came through his partnership with Jacob Piasecki and Stefan Aguilera of A&P Sports Agency, which helps student-athletes secure sponsorships that align with their personal interests.
“There are a lot of athletes right now spending money from their own pocket on jewelry, luxury brands, and experiences,” Aguilera explained. “As an agency, we’re able to provide that opportunity for them and actually capitalize off of the things they would spend money on for themselves.”
Piasecki echoed this sentiment, calling the deal a game-changer. “I think this sets the bar even higher. It’s a good thing for the industry because it shows what’s possible with NIL if you’re a little creative.”
Price joins a growing list of A&P athletes benefiting from Dang’s expertise, including Khmori House, Jacarrius Peak, Justice Finkley, and Hunter Osborne.
With NIL continuing to evolve, partnerships like this highlight how student-athletes can leverage their brand for long-term opportunities beyond the playing field.