Hurricanes QB Breaks history

University of Miami Hurricanes Quarterback D'eriq King has become the first college athlete to

sign an NIL agreement with a deal with the Panthers.

The deal was announced on Monday.King will make appearances at the team's games and work with the Panthers to develop a merchandise collection. Co-branded art and his own exclusive concession menu item will be available at each Panthers home game and events for the coming season.

"D'Eriq is a superstar both on and off the field and we are excited to reach and engage South

Florida sports fans in new ways through this collaborative partnership," Panthers chief strategy

officer Sam Doerr said.

Along with the deal came the creation of "FLA Athlete". It is a program that will give student

athletes the ability to profit from their names, images and likenesses. The organization plans to

add other collegiate stars within the state to the program.

"We are thrilled to welcome D'Eriq to Panthers Territory as our first 'FLA Athlete," Panthers

Chief Strategy Officer Sam Doerr said in a statement.King has been among one of the most sought athletes in the country since college players could begin gaining endorsement deals this month.

The Panthers' contract is at least the sixth known deal that King has entered into this summer.

So far king has deals with College Hunks Moving Company, Murphy Auto Group, Dreamfield,

The Wharf and Panini America. The Houston transfer is heading into his second year with the

Hurricanes after totaling 23 passing touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 games last year.

After leading Miami to an 8-3 record last season, King is considered a contender for the

Heisman Trophy in 2021