Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman Opens Up About the Eye-Opening NIL Earnings of His Players, Emphasizing the Importance of Financial Responsibility, Long-Term Career Planning, and Preparing for Life Beyond Football Even in an Era of Unprecedented Player Compensation and Transformative Changes in College Athletics
In recent years, college football has undergone a seismic shift with the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, allowing student-athletes to monetize their personal brands. What was once an amateur sport centered around scholarships and on-field performance has now evolved into a business-driven enterprise where players can earn significant income while still competing at the collegiate level.
Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman has seen firsthand how NIL has changed the landscape of college athletics. His players are now making more money than ever before, with some earning life-changing amounts through endorsements, sponsorships, and social media partnerships. However, despite the financial windfall, Klieman remains steadfast in his mission to ensure that his players are not only focused on the present but are also preparing for life after football.
In a recent discussion, Klieman shed light on the NIL earnings of Kansas State players, revealing just how much money some of them are making. But his message goes beyond the numbers—he is using this era of newfound wealth to instill in his players a sense of financial literacy, responsibility, and long-term planning.
The NIL Boom: How Much Are Kansas State Players Really Making?
When the NCAA lifted restrictions on NIL in 2021, many believed it would benefit only the top-tier college football programs with deep-pocketed boosters. However, the reality has been far different. Schools like Kansas State, known for their strong football traditions and dedicated fan bases, have also seen a surge in NIL opportunities for their players.
Klieman has been open about the financial impact NIL has had on his team. While exact figures vary, it is estimated that some of his top players are making well into the six-figure range, with a few potentially crossing the $500,000 mark through various deals. These earnings come from multiple sources, including:
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Local Business Sponsorships: Kansas State players have secured endorsement deals with businesses across Manhattan, Kansas, and beyond. From car dealerships to restaurants, local brands are eager to align themselves with the team’s star athletes.
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National Brand Endorsements: Some Wildcats players have landed deals with major companies in the sports, apparel, and technology industries. These partnerships often include commercials, social media campaigns, and personal appearances.
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Merchandise Sales: With NIL rights, players can now sell their own jerseys, autograph memorabilia, and even launch personal clothing lines. Some Kansas State athletes have capitalized on their popularity by creating exclusive merchandise that sells out quickly.
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Social Media Influence: Many college football players have built massive followings on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Companies pay them to promote products, share sponsored posts, and engage with fans in ways that were unheard of just a few years ago.
Despite the lucrative opportunities, Klieman knows that money alone doesn’t guarantee a secure future. That’s why he is making financial education a key part of his coaching philosophy.
The Dark Side of NIL: Why Klieman Teaches Financial Responsibility
While NIL has opened doors for college athletes, it has also introduced new challenges. Klieman understands that for many of his players, this is the first time they have had access to large sums of money. Without proper guidance, it can be easy to fall into the trap of reckless spending, bad investments, or being taken advantage of by opportunistic individuals.
To combat this, Klieman and his staff have implemented financial literacy programs to help players manage their earnings wisely. Some of the key lessons they emphasize include:
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Saving for the Future: Many players dream of making it to the NFL, but the harsh reality is that only a small percentage will have long professional careers. Klieman urges his players to save a portion of their NIL money, ensuring they have a financial cushion in case football doesn’t work out long-term.
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Avoiding Lifestyle Inflation: One of the biggest mistakes young athletes make is upgrading their lifestyle too quickly. Expensive cars, luxury apartments, and extravagant purchases can quickly drain a bank account. Klieman encourages his players to live within their means, reminding them that financial security is more important than flashy spending.
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Smart Investing: With the right guidance, NIL earnings can be used to build long-term wealth. Klieman has brought in financial advisors to educate players on smart investment strategies, such as stocks, real estate, and retirement accounts.
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Understanding Taxes: Many players are unaware that NIL money is subject to taxes. Klieman ensures that they are prepared for tax season by providing resources on proper tax planning and avoiding financial pitfalls.
By instilling these lessons early, Klieman hopes to set his players up for lifelong success, both on and off the field.
Football Won’t Last Forever: Preparing for Life After the Game
Despite the financial benefits of NIL, Klieman reminds his players that football is a temporary career. Whether a player has a brief college career or a decade-long NFL run, there will come a day when they have to transition into another profession.
To prepare them for life after football, Kansas State has developed programs aimed at career development and personal growth. These include:
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Internship and Business Networking Opportunities: Kansas State connects its athletes with successful alumni and business leaders who can offer mentorship, internships, and career guidance.
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Entrepreneurial Education: Some players have ambitions beyond football, such as starting their own businesses. Klieman encourages entrepreneurship and provides access to resources that help players explore business opportunities.
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Degree Completion and Graduate Programs: While NIL money is beneficial in the short term, education remains a critical foundation for long-term success. Klieman ensures that players stay committed to their academic goals, even if they have substantial earnings from NIL.
He often shares stories of former players who transitioned smoothly into careers after football—whether in business, coaching, broadcasting, or other industries. By exposing his current players to these success stories, Klieman reinforces the idea that NIL money should be viewed as a stepping stone rather than a final destination.
Balancing Football and NIL Without Losing Focus
One of the biggest concerns surrounding NIL is its potential to distract players from their on-field performance. With brand deals, sponsorship obligations, and financial management responsibilities, some fear that players may lose sight of their primary role as student-athletes.
Klieman has made it clear that while he supports NIL, football must remain the top priority. He sets firm expectations that his players must handle their NIL responsibilities in a way that does not interfere with training, film study, or game preparation.
“We’re here to win football games,” Klieman says. “NIL is a great opportunity, but it doesn’t change the fact that success on the field is what opens doors. If you take care of business in football, the opportunities will come naturally.”
To ensure balance, Kansas State has established guidelines for players, including:
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Time Management Workshops: Helping players schedule their NIL commitments without interfering with football or academics.
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Mentorship from Former Athletes: Bringing in past Wildcats players to share their experiences and offer guidance on balancing business and athletics.
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Regular Check-Ins with Coaches and Advisors: Ensuring that NIL activities align with each player’s overall goals and responsibilities.
Klieman’s Vision for the Future of NIL in College Football
As NIL continues to evolve, Klieman believes that structure and oversight will be necessary to ensure that it remains a positive force in college athletics. He has advocated for regulations that promote transparency, prevent unfair recruiting advantages, and protect athletes from exploitation.
He also hopes that schools across the country will follow Kansas State’s example by emphasizing financial literacy and long-term career planning. For Klieman, NIL is about more than just money—it’s an opportunity to teach life skills that will benefit players long after their playing days are over.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Football
Chris Klieman’s impact on Kansas State football goes beyond wins and losses. By preparing his players for both the financial realities of NIL and the challenges of life after football, he is shaping well-rounded individuals who will thrive long after they leave the field.
In an era where money is flowing into college sports like never before, Klieman’s message remains clear: financial success is only meaningful if it is accompanied by responsibility, discipline, and a long-term vision. As NIL continues to shape the future of college football, Kansas State players will enter the world not just as elite athletes, but as financially savvy, career-ready individuals prepared for whatever comes next.
