Mark Ingram II and Derrick Henry—have unveiled the “Heisman 2 Heisman” NIL Collective Fund. Announced today at a star-studded press conference on the University of Alabama’s quad, the initiative is laser-focused on providing direct financial support to offensive players navigating the high-stakes landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. For Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, and Henry, the 2015 recipient, this isn’t just philanthropy it’s a heartfelt payback to the game that launched their legendary careers.
“This is about giving back to the position that changed our lives,” Ingram said, his voice booming with that familiar Louisiana drawl as he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Henry under the iconic Denny Chimes.
“Running backs, quarterbacks, wideouts they grind day in and day out, taking hits and making plays that don’t always get the shine they deserve. We were those guys once. Now, we’re making sure the next generation doesn’t have to worry about the off-field noise.”
The fund, seeded with a combined $5 million personal contribution from the duo—Ingram from his Fox Sports analyst gig and post-NFL earnings, Henry from his bruising Ravens contract aims to raise $25 million in its first year through corporate partnerships and fan donations. Unlike broad-spectrum NIL collectives that sprinkle resources across entire rosters, “Heisman 2 Heisman” zeroes in on offensive skill players.
Eligible athletes must be starters or key reserves at FBS programs, with priority given to those in the SEC and other Power Four conferences. The money will fund everything from endorsement deals and social media training to financial literacy workshops and even performance bonuses tied to academic milestones.
Henry, ever the man of few words but infinite power, leaned into the mic with a grin. “I remember scraping by on scholarships and summer jobs back at Bama. Derrick Henry didn’t have NIL back then—no deals for dunking on defenders or truck-sticking linebackers.
These kids do the work; we want them cashing the checks.” At 6-foot-3 and still built like a freight train, the former Yulee High phenom recounted his record-shattering 2015 season: 2,219 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a Heisman that cemented Alabama’s dynasty. “Mark and I talked about this for years on podcasts, at alumni events. It’s time to run the play.”
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for college athletics. NIL has exploded since its 2021 legalization, but inequities persist offensive stars often command the biggest deals, yet many grinders, especially at mid-majors, get left behind. Data from the NCAA shows that over 70% of NIL earnings go to football players, with running backs and receivers capturing just 15% despite their highlight-reel impact.
“Heisman 2 Heisman” aims to flip that script. Initial partners include Nike, which is ponying up $2 million for branded gear and marketing campaigns, and Gatorade, offering hydration sponsorships tailored to offensive linemen and skill-position athletes. Fan engagement will be key: A mobile app lets supporters “draft” players to fund, with proceeds from virtual auctions of signed memorabilia think Ingram’s 2009 championship jersey or Henry’s game-worn cleats from that 285-yard Sugar Bowl demolition of Clemson.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, fresh off a gritty win over Wisconsin earlier this week, praised the initiative as a “game-changer for Tuscaloosa and beyond.” Current Tide running back Jam Miller, who’s been buzzing with 450 yards through four games, was on hand, visibly emotional.
“Hearing Coach Ingram and King Henry say this? It’s surreal. Last year, I turned down shady deals just to focus on the field. Now, I can build something real.” Miller’s story underscores the fund’s mission: Last season, he navigated a murky NIL market, signing small local endorsements while dodging predatory agents.
“Heisman 2 Heisman” promises vetted opportunities, with Ingram and Henry personally vetting top applicants through quarterly summits.
The duo’s Alabama roots run deep, making this launch feel like destiny. Ingram, the Flint, Michigan, product who edged Stanford’s Toby Gerhart by a razor-thin 28 points in the closest Heisman vote ever, rushed for 1,658 yards as a sophomore, powering the Tide to its first national title in 15 years.
Henry, the Florida powerhouse, followed suit six years later, bulldozing SEC defenses en route to those untouchable SEC records. Both grinded under Nick Saban’s microscope, learning resilience that now fuels their venture. “We weren’t just teammates; we were brothers in the backfield,” Henry added. “This fund is our huddle—offense only, full speed ahead.”
Critics might quibble about the offensive-only focus, arguing it sidelines defensive standouts. But Ingram fired back: “Defensive players have their MVPs and their collectives. We’re celebrating the artiststhe guys who score, who dazzle.
Balance comes later.” Early sign-ups include Texas QB Quinn Ewers, LSU WR Kyren Lacy, and a dozen Bama underclassmen, with the fund projecting to support 200 athletes in Year One.
As the sun dipped over Bryant-Denny Stadium, Ingram and Henry posed for photos, each hoisting a replica Heisman. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a blueprint for equity in an era where a viral clip can mean millions—or nothing. “Heisman 2 Heisman” isn’t just a fund; it’s a movement, proving that even after the pros, these legends keep carrying the rock.
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