Adidas Welcomes New Rookie Class

Rome Odunze and Michael Penix Jr.’s Journey

Wide Receiver Rome Odunze and Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from the University of Washington are well-acquainted with adidas, having become the brand’s first NIL football athletes in October 2023. They led their team to the National Championship as captains and were supported by the brand in their bids for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy. Adidas organized several events in Houston leading up to their championship appearance.

Achievements of Rome Odunze

Rome Odunze secured a significant contract with adidas after setting a program record with 1,640 receiving yards in 2023. His outstanding performance earned him a position as a Biletnikoff Award Finalist and a consensus first-team All-American.

Michael Penix Jr.’s Impressive Season

Michael Penix Jr. was honored with the 2023 Maxwell Award as the top college football player. He led the nation with 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, and his leadership earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist.

“Through every up and down the three stripes have remained consistent. I remember lacing them up for the Unsigned Preps 7 on 7 team and going around the country earning offers in the three stripes,” said Penix Jr. “This past year myself and Rome Odunze became the first NIL athletes for adidas football, giving us the opportunity to build deep relationships with the entire adidas team. adidas has been by my side for my entire football journey so it’s only right that we continue this journey together!”

Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Legette’s Arrival

Adonai Mitchell joins adidas following a standout season in Austin, marked by 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. Before the 2023-24 season, he accumulated 38 catches for 560 yards and seven touchdowns in Athens, GA, contributing to back-to-back National Championships.

Xavier Legette also becomes part of the adidas family after a remarkable season in Columbia, SC, recording 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. His efforts earned him a position as a 2023 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist.

Joining an Esteemed Group

The new additions join adidas pro partners like Patrick Mahomes, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Garrett Wilson, Chris Jones, David Njoku, Tua Tagovailoa, Aaron Jones, Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Addison, further strengthening the brand’s presence in professional sports.

Who are the new athletes signed by adidas?

Adidas has signed Rome Odunze, Michael Penix Jr, Adonai Mitchell, and Xavier Legette.

What historic achievement did Odunze and Penix reach with adidas?

Rome Odunze and Michael Penix Jr. were the first NIL football athletes signed by adidas.

What accolades did Michael Penix Jr. achieve in 2023?

Michael Penix Jr. won the Maxwell Award and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, with 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns.

Who are some of the established athletes partnered with adidas?

Some of adidas’ established partners include Patrick Mahomes, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Trevor Lawrence.