Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze Headline Adidas’ NFL Rookie Signees

Elizabeth Swinton | Apr 25, 2024

Michael Penix Jr. (left) and Rome Odunze (right) are among the incoming NFL rookies signing with Adidas. / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Adidas is adding to its professional football roster with the signings of four incoming rookies, the brand announced on Thursday.  

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receivers Rome Odunze, Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Legette are joining the brand ahead of the NFL draft. Their addition bolsters Adidas’ roster of NFL partners, which includes reigning Super Bowl quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy, among others. 

The signings of Penix Jr. and Odunze come nearly seven months after the former Washington teammates became Adidas’ first-ever Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) football athletes. The quarterback-wide receiver tandem anchored a Huskies team that made its first appearance in the College Football Playoff title game last season.

Penix Jr., a Heisman finalist, cited his “deep relationships” with the Adidas team as he continues his journey with the brand into his professional career. 

“I remember lacing them up for the Unsigned Preps 7 on 7 team and going around the country earning offers in the three stripes," Penix. Jr. said in a press release. “Adidas has been by my side for my entire football journey so it’s only right that we continue this journey together!”

As for Odunze, deciding to first sign with Adidas as a collegiate athlete–and later professionally–was an important milestone. 

“It’s kind of felt like I was in a video game cause when you’re playing ‘Madden,’ [you have] to make that decision within the game to make a deal with a company,” Odunze told Sports Illustrated after he was signed to a NIL deal by Adidas in October. “It’s been a blessing and something I’m very grateful for.” 

Mitchell joins the brand as a two-time national champion, winning back-to-back titles with Georgia before transferring to Texas in 2023. Legette is also coming off a strong season with South Carolina, where he was a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist. 

Now signed to Adidas deals, Penix Jr., Odunze, Mitchell and Legette will soon find out their new homes as the NFL draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.