Trevor Lawrence, the former Clemson star quarterback and presumptive top overall selection in the NFL draftโwhich begins Thursdayโhas had one hectic month of April. He married his longtime girlfriend, Marissa Mowry. The honeymoon will have to wait. He signed endorsement deals with Gatorade, Topps, which has offered both physical trading cards and NFTs with his likeness, and the cryptocurrency investment app Blockfolioโhis signing bonus was paid in crypto.
On Wednesday morning, Lawrence announced he signed an endorsement deal with Adidas. Quarterback, more than perhaps any position in all of pro sports, unmasks the obsessiveness of sports fans.
The expectations for franchise signal-callers fit a sort of prototype, epitomized best by Manning and Tom Brady: crazed competitors who devour playbooks and film sessions. Who live and breathe football until Super Bowl rings decorate their fingers. So when Lawrence recently revealed in a Sports Illustrated cover story that he seemed to be a fellow with some work-life balanceโgasp!
What, no chip? Brady was selected with the th overall pick in the draftโso that guy had a chip. Lawrence is missing a chip, so some football fans and media types flipped out. To some, this was unacceptable. So much so, that Lawrence felt compelled to explain himself in the aftermath on Twitter. You can ask anyone who has been in my life. That being said, I am secure in who I am, and what I believe.
Did the hubbub surprise Lawrence? Lawrence says he may hold back his words going forward. Barring some earth-shattering development, the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team long overdue for a franchise quarterback, will snag Lawrence with the top pick: some Jags fans bought Lawrence and Mowry wedding gifts.
