Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in college football—not just for his talents on the field but for his business acumen off of it. Known for his electrifying dual-threat capabilities, Johnson is now making headlines for his savvy in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space.
In his latest entrepreneurial move, Johnson has teamed up with Bev-Hub, a beverage company based in Manhattan, Kansas, to launch a signature drink: The Avery Johnson Strawberry Lemonade. This isn’t just any flavored drink—it’s a health-conscious alternative to traditional soft drinks, marketed as “thirst-quenching, low-calorie, [and] low-sugar,” making it both athlete- and fan-friendly. Complete with his image on the can, the drink is expected to appear in regional grocery stores throughout the Midwest starting this week.
Johnson expressed excitement and gratitude in a statement about the new venture:
“It wasn’t long ago that I was a young athlete in Wichita, Kansas with big dreams. To have the opportunity to create my own personally branded soft drink is really special, and I hope it can serve as an example to young athletes across Kansas and beyond that dreams can absolutely become reality.”
His partnership with Bev-Hub is just the latest in a growing portfolio of NIL endorsements that demonstrate his unique appeal. Johnson currently ranks as the 29th top NIL earner, according to the latest On3 valuation, a significant feat considering his location in a smaller college market and not being from a traditional marketing powerhouse like Alabama or USC.
But Johnson’s NIL presence isn’t just about quantity—it’s about creativity and connection. This strawberry lemonade deal adds to a growing list of unconventional and local partnerships. Last year, he made waves by receiving a lavender Chevrolet Corvette from a local car dealership, another flashy symbol of his rising profile.
As he heads into his final season at Kansas State, Johnson is not only viewed as a vital piece of the Wildcats’ football program but also as a rising star in the business and branding world. His ability to leverage his talent, personality, and regional roots into meaningful commercial deals makes him a standout in today’s evolving NIL landscape.
In a time when student-athletes are carving out personal brands like never before, Johnson’s story is resonating far beyond the football field.
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