There's no doubt that wide receivers hold greater commercial value than running backs. Additionally, Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most marketable and recognizable players of his generation, which explains Nike's willingness to offer him a top-tier contract.
Now, Nike's decision to align Lance with Beckham, even extending a longer contract period, demonstrated their confidence in Lance's career trajectory—
a gesture filled with sincerity.
At least, that's how Trevor Edwards saw it.
However, Donald clearly had a different perspective.
Edwards chuckled, a genuine laugh with warmth gleaming in his eyes.
"Donald, you know that's impossible. We both understand what that number represents. Breaking market norms isn't an option."
A three-year deal worth $2.5 million annually?
That's the current ceiling for NFL endorsement contracts. Nike's deals with top-tier superstars hover around this benchmark. Minor details might vary, but the annual figures stay consistent.
A rookie running back who has only played two official games—
It's inconceivable for him to instantly match the league's endorsement ceiling.
Edwards assumed Donald was merely testing Nike's limits, throwing out an ambitious number to gauge their response. As such, Edwards needed to stand firm, making it clear this was non-negotiable.
Yet Donald's expression remained unmoved.
"History is made to be rewritten, isn't it?"
One sentence—an unmistakable display of resolve.
Leaning slightly forward, Donald continued.
"Thirty years ago, Michael Jordan entered the league as just another college player. But Nike made a unique bet on his potential and handed him a groundbreaking contract."
"I'm not asking for a carbon copy of that deal. We both know times have changed. See? I'm being reasonable."
Jordan is one of a kind; even LeBron didn't receive the same deal as Jordan from Nike.
"But," Donald pressed,
"I must ask: has Nike lost the audacity it once had?"
"Thirty years ago, Nike was merely a niche brand specializing in running shoes, trailing behind Adidas and Converse in market share. Then, you made a pivotal decision—not only elevating Nike to global dominance but also redefining the commercial value of professional sports."
"Now, the opportunity has presented itself again."
His tone was calm yet brimming with confidence.
Edwards, unfazed, finally began to take Donald seriously.
"So, you're saying the Jordan of football has arrived?"
Donald shook his head lightly.
"No, I'm saying Lance is the Lance of football."
Edwards let out a soft laugh, refusing to comment further.
Donald, unfazed by Edwards' reaction, pressed on.
"Back then, Adidas and Converse were complacent. They believed they could maintain their dominance without taking risks. To them, Jordan was just another rookie—after all, he wasn't a No. 1 pick, not even a No. 2 pick. He was only a No. 3."
"They chose to play it safe."
"That's when Nike seized the moment."
"Today, the landscape has shifted. The question is whether Nike still possesses the same boldness."
Though Donald didn't say it outright, the subtext was crystal clear—
Nike today is akin to the Adidas of yesteryears, while Under Armour has become the new Nike.
Nike, it seems, was repeating the mistakes of its former rivals.
Should Nike opt for caution, Under Armour would undoubtedly capitalize on this golden opportunity.
Donald's sharp rhetoric flipped the negotiation dynamics on their head.
Still, Edwards wasn't easily rattled.
A high-ranking Nike executive, he wasn't one to be swayed by lofty words. He firmly believed that only Nike could fulfill Donald's ambitions. As impressive as Under Armour might be in the football sphere, they lacked the resources to execute such a grand vision.
If they did, Donald wouldn't be negotiating with Nike but with Under Armour instead.
With renewed interest glinting in his eyes, Edwards replied,
"But Lance isn't Michael, and football isn't basketball. These are entirely different games."
"Lance—I mean no disrespect to running backs—but they're considered disposable. It's a young man's position, relying on physicality to carve out a career. Now, if Lance were a quarterback, well, then we'd have something to discuss. But a running back?"
Lance raised his hands in mock surrender, flashing a smile.
Then, with a touch of humor, he added,
"I do happen to know a few promising young quarterbacks. Need me to put in a good word?"
Patrick Mahomes: touched beyond words.
His casual remark left Edwards momentarily stunned.
Donald suppressed a grin at Lance's knack for breaking the rhythm of the conversation, keeping his composure as he jumped back in.
"Let's shift perspectives. It's precisely because the odds seem impossible that this story will resonate even more deeply."
"After all, who doesn't love a good underdog tale?"
"To me, Lance's position as a running back is his greatest asset."
"From the skepticism he faced in the preseason to the widespread acclaim he's garnered now, the prejudice and stereotypes associated with his position are fueling his rise to stardom."
Donald paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in.
"Think about it—even the North American market is surprised by his impact. Imagine the ripple effects across Asia."
Edwards, an expert in brand strategy and marketing, instantly grasped Donald's meaning. His expression turned pensive.
Sensing the momentum shift, Donald skillfully began to wrap up.
"I'll admit, for Lance's brand to reach its full potential, Nike is the best partner. I firmly believe our collaboration could result in a synergy greater than the sum of its parts."
"However, Nike isn't the only option."
"Let's not forget, football's commercial landscape is still a largely untapped frontier. Athletes need brands, but brands need athletes just as much."
"As I've said before, football today resembles basketball 30 years ago. The future belongs to those bold enough to innovate and take risks."
"Mr. Edwards, Lance is ready for this challenge. The question is, are you?"
The confidence in his tone was electric—undeniable and overwhelming.
Even Lance found himself newly impressed by Donald.
Without exaggeration, Donald seemed to believe in Lance's potential even more than Lance himself did.
Donald turned to glance at Lance, offering a subtle smile as if to say, Trust me. I've got this.
Meanwhile, Edwards realized the negotiations were unlikely to conclude today. The two sides simply had different visions for Lance's future.
But one lingering question gnawed at Edwards:
Could Under Armour or Adidas truly match Donald's lofty ambitions? A running back reshaping NFL history?
The notion seemed preposterous.
Masking his doubts, Edwards replied with a sly grin,
"Looks like you're brimming with confidence."
Was he mocking Donald for being overly ambitious?
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