The Acumen - October 2024

The Rise of NIL: A New Era for Student- Athletes

The introduction of NIL rights for student-athletes has transformed college sports, allowing athletes to leverage their fame and skills to earn revenue. For Kardell Thomas, this change was more than just a chance to profit—it was an opportunity to create lasting impact both on and off the field. Recognized as a star athlete, Thomas is also a business owner, investor, and philanthropist, committed to using his platform to empower others. In collaboration with ENTRELETE® and its unique Digital Mobile Billboard Backpack (DMBB) platform, Thomas is taking NIL to the next level, combining athleticism with business acumen. His journey from Louisiana to Colorado is not just a sports story; it’s a business case study in leveraging opportunity and community engagement. ENTRELETE®: The Platform for the Modern Athlete ENTRELETE® is more than just a digital marketing tool—it’s a comprehensive platform designed to support student-athletes in building and promoting their personal brands. With its focus on digital advertising, business meetups, and networking, ENTRELETE® provides athletes with the resources to grow their NIL potential. Thomas has been an avid user of the ENTRELETE® platform, utilizing it to host tailgate events, podcast interviews, and networking socials in both Denver and Boulder. These events are not only about celebrating football but also about creating spaces for business connections, sponsorship opportunities, and community engagement.

As the world of college sports continues to evolve, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities have opened new doors for student-athletes to build their brands, engage with communities, and create business ventures that extend beyond the field. Kardell Thomas, an offensive lineman from Louisiana playing for the University of Colorado (CU), is at the forefront of this movement. Through the innovative ENTRELETE® platform, Thomas is not just securing his future—he’s actively building it through entrepreneurial ventures in Denver and Boulder.

Building Community Through Tailgate Events

One of the standout initiatives led by Thomas is the ENTRELETEVILLE Tailgate Events. These events, held at various locations in Denver and Boulder, serve as a hub for fans, businesses, and local communities to come together. But

28 The Acumen

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