Gainesville is revving up its engines as Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz announces a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville. This exciting collaboration marks Mertz’s entry into the Gainesville automotive scene, showcasing his marketability both on and off the field. While details of the agreement remain under wraps, the partnership promises to see Mertz working closely with the Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville dealership throughout the summer and into the fall football season, engaging in promotional activities and social media endorsements. This isn’t Mertz’s first foray into the automotive NIL world; he previously partnered with Essential Motors NJ, acquiring a Range Rover Sport Supercharged in February 2023. Now, aligning with a prestigious brand like Mercedes-Benz in his college town, Mertz is further cementing his status as a top NIL earner and a key figure in the Gainesville community.
Mertz’s move to partner with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville arrives after a successful debut season with the Florida Gators. Despite the team’s 5-7 record, Mertz personally shone, throwing for an impressive 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns while maintaining exceptional accuracy with a 72.9% completion rate, leading the SEC in this statistic. His performance came even after missing the final game due to a collarbone injury, from which he has now fully recovered. Entering the upcoming season, Mertz is firmly positioned as the Gators’ starting quarterback, bringing experience and leadership to the team.
Gators head coach Billy Napier has publicly praised Mertz’s impact, stating, “He has the respect of the entire organization and the respect of his teammates.” Napier highlighted Mertz’s work ethic, competitive spirit, and the professional manner in which he carries himself, both on and off the field. He emphasized Mertz’s role as a standard-setter for the team, noting his return as “a huge deal” for the Florida Gators, not only for the team’s performance but also for the mentorship he provides to younger players like highly-rated freshman DJ Lagway. Lagway, a top recruit, is expected to compete for playing time, but Mertz’s experience gives him a strong edge. Prior to joining the Gators, Mertz honed his skills over four seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, entering college football as a highly-regarded four-star prospect. His proven track record makes him an invaluable asset to the Florida program.
The NIL era has transformed the landscape of college athletics, with car dealerships becoming a popular avenue for partnerships. Deals vary, ranging from seasonal vehicle loans to opportunities for athletes to drive vehicles for limited periods. Athletes may also be responsible for their own car insurance in some agreements. For Graham Mertz, the Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville deal is a significant addition to his already robust NIL portfolio. He has previously secured endorsements with major brands such as Panini America, Pepsi, Raising Cane’s, and PDQ Chicken. Mertz is also slated to participate in the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, further elevating his profile. He is actively involved with Florida Victorious, a leading NIL collective supporting Florida athletes, and has opted into the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game. Represented by Equity Sports, Mertz has launched his own merchandise line and boasts a substantial social media presence with nearly 105,000 followers. His partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville underscores the growing intersection of college sports, NIL opportunities, and local businesses, particularly in thriving college towns like Gainesville.
