The University of Alabama freshman Ryan Williams has proven he’s more than just a football star—he’s a brand. The rising Crimson Tide wide receiver just signed a NIL deal with Sally Hansen, making him one of the few college football players to secure a beauty endorsement.
The announcement, made via social media on Super Bowl Sunday, showed Williams confidently painting his nails in a promotional video for the nail polish brand.
The partnership marks a major step for the industry, reinforcing the growing crossover between sports, self-expression, and personal grooming.
Williams, who just turned 18 on Sunday, has quickly become one of college football’s top NIL earners. His current NIL valuation sits at $2.3 million, placing him among the Top 20 highest-valued NCAA athletes across all sports, per On3.
His standout freshman season with Alabama saw him lead the team in receiving yards, racking up 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.
With the NIL landscape rapidly evolving, brands like Sally Hansen are looking beyond traditional endorsements and tapping into athletes who exude confidence, authenticity, and cultural impact.
Williams’ deal with Sally Hansen is more than just business—it’s personal. The young star has been painting his nails since high school, a tradition that started with his little sister picking out colors.
Earlier this season, his nail color choice sparked controversy when he was seen with orange-painted nails after a loss to Tennessee, a major Alabama rival. Williams later clarified that his sister had chosen the color, not realizing the unintended symbolism.
Despite the brief controversy, Williams continues to embrace his individuality, proving that confidence isn’t just about making big plays on the field—it’s about being unapologetically yourself.
With athletes like Jared McCain of the NBA already making waves in the beauty industry, Williams is following suit, showing that the modern-day athlete is more than just their sport.
Photo Credit: Instagram – Ryanwms1
