By Mmesoma 
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — July 18, 2025 — Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams just added another major accolade to his growing résumé—an NIL deal with global sportswear giant Nike. The announcement sent waves across the college football world, but it was the reaction of one former Dallas Cowboys star that turned heads: “Perfect combo.”
The brief but powerful response summed up the sentiment shared by many—Williams and Nike seem made for each other.
Williams, who dazzled fans with 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his freshman season, is now one of the rare college athletes to partner with Nike. The move places him in elite company alongside names like Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“This partnership reflects who I am both on and off the field,” Williams said in a statement following the announcement. “It’s about more than football—it’s about legacy, discipline, and alignment with the right team.”
Though financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the significance is clear: Nike doesn’t hand out NIL deals lightly, especially to underclassmen. The endorsement marks Williams as not only a rising star on the field but also a brand with marketability and national appeal.
The former Cowboys player’s reaction—concise as it was—sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike. While his identity wasn’t officially revealed, the endorsement speaks volumes coming from a respected NFL veteran.
As Williams gears up for his sophomore campaign under new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, expectations are sky-high. With Nike behind him and his name already buzzing in EA Sports’ College Football 26 promotions, the young receiver’s profile continues to climb.
Bottom line: A star is rising in Tuscaloosa—and the sports world is watching.