Emerson Lax Players’ NIL Deal Includes Hollis Foundation Fundraiser on March 21

Two Emerson men’s lacrosse players have made history by signing the first-ever NIL deal for any Lion, which includes a fundraiser for a foundation named after a former lacrosse player.

Lex Torrington ’22 and Austin Franklin ’20, MA ’22 signed the deal with Archie’s Deli, as first reported by the Berkeley Beacon and Sports Editor Tyler Foy. Archie’s Deli is across from Emerson’s fitness center and is part of the team’s culture.

NIL deals are new to collegiate after the NCAA ruled that college athletes may profit off their name, image, and likeness. This change has allowed college athletes to procure endorsements, sponsorships, partnerships, and business relationships on and off playing fields.

The lax players’ deal includes promo videos on social media accounts, a fundraiser with the Daniel J. Hollis Foundation, a few free T-shirts, and the naming of a breakfast sandwich.

The fundraiser is Monday, March 21, from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The deli is donating 100 percent of it profits during that time to the foundation. The foundation is in honor of former Emerson lacrosse player Dan Hollis, who died at the age of 19 in 2019. The foundation is, “…devoted to providing opportunities for young people to cultivate curiosity, support healthy competition, and develop meaningful connections.”  

Foy writes that Franklin has a large social media presence through his LMFAO Sport brand, which has more than 300,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 11 million likes on TikTok. Franklin will also be taking his talents to DraftKings after graduating to join their social media team.