Tennessee State University Athlete Transforms Diagnosis into Inspiring NIL Partnership

Tennessee State University athlete Joshua Meriwether's NIL partnership with Dexcom illuminates the power of resilience and inspiration in the face of Type 1 diabetes.

Tennessee State University football player, Joshua Meriwether, is utilizing his platform through a NIL partnership with Dexcom: a company that specializes in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. 

Meriwether was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a kid. As an eighth grader, he almost lost his ability to play football due to symptoms that he initially did not know were caused by diabetes. 

He hopes that this partnership will help kids who have the illness and empower them in their journeys. His goal is to become one of the few players with Type 1 diabetes to make it to the NFL. 

Meriwether took to Instagram and posted the inspiring video that highlights the partnership. It features several other student-athletes who are also part of the Dexcom U Program. Meriwether shared the following caption in his post: 

"Hello Everyone! I am excited to announce that I will be joining the Dexcom U Program this year as a #DexcomUAthlete! I decided to join this program because it gives me the opportunity to inspire other people living with diabetes while also providing helpful insight and resources that can help support other young athletes playing sports with diabetes. As a type 1 athlete, playing football at the collegiate level is not always easy. I have endured many ups and downs on and off the field due to diabetes, but luckily, with the helpful insights that the Dexcom CGM provides, I am much more confident in being able to play football to the best of my ability!"

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Meriwether's story exemplifies the untapped potential of NIL to serve as a powerful force for good in society.