Freddy’s Frozen Custard Partners with a Dozen Athletes on NIL Deals

Twelve student-athletes from five schools will tout Freddy's dishes and treats on social media

Freddy’s Frozen Custard, a nationwide fast-food chain, has announced a partnership with a dozen student-athletes in a Name, Image and Likeness partnership.

As part of the deal, these student-athletes will share their favorite Freddy’s menu items on company social media accounts and the brand’s website.

The vast majority of the athletes Freddy’s is partnering with are basketball players, ones that could be featured prominently during March Madness. The five schools involved — Houston, Kansas, Duke, North Carolina and Tennessee — should make the NCAA Tournament.

The Houston men are the nation’s No. 1 team, according to the AP Poll, while Kansas won a national championship in 2022.

Three Tennessee basketball players are included — Zakai Zeigler, Dalton Knecht and Tess Darby. Two North Carolina basketball players also landed deals — Jalen Washington and Paulina Paris.

Kansas and Houston landed two players. The Jayhawks include KJ Adams Jr. and S’Mya Nichols, while the Cougars are Jamal Shead and Emanuel Sharp. Duke’s

Mark Mitchell is also involved.

The non-basketball players on the list are Tennessee baseball catcher Cannon Peebles and North Carolina outfielder Casey Cook.

The Kansas connection is notable for Freddy’s because its first restaurant was based in Wichita, Kan., in 2002. It’s also notable because one of the players, Adams, says he frequented Freddy’s while growing up.

"My dad and I used to go to Freddy's all the time after tournaments. I love the chili cheese dog and even ordered one today! I'm just so excited to be working with Freddy's this season," Adams said.