Oklahoma State football to wear QR codes on helmets for NIL funds

( NewsNation ) — Members of the Oklahoma State Cowboys will wear QR codes on their helmets that link to the football team’s general fund, Coach Mike Gundy announced Monday.

An Oklahoma State press release said the university believes this will be the first time a college football team will do this at regular-season games.

“This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game,” Gundy said in a statement. “It gives a chance for everyday fans across the world to have a real impact when it comes to supporting the (Name, Image, Likeness) efforts for Cowboy football. I’m thrilled about this opportunity for our players.”

These QR codes, per the press release, will be put on the back of each helmet in 1 1/2-square-inch decals featuring the player’s name and number in the design. QR codes will also be on each player’s bag tag to be used during “The Walk” on game days and travel during football season as well as on coasters in “premium” areas of Boone Pickens Stadium, on signs and on the OSU football equipment truck.

While the codes aren’t expected to be visible from the stands, close shots during broadcasts, as well as postgame photos put on social media, could raise the team’s NIL value, the press release said.

People can find a link to the fund throughout football season on social media channels, including @CowboyFB on X, @Cowboy_FB on Instagram and @okstatefootball on Facebook.

Last week, ESPN reported that Gundy said he hopes players can focus on football instead of the “business side” of name, image and likeness.

“The good news is, the next five months, we can just play football,” Gundy said, according to ESPN. “There’s no negotiating now. The portal’s over. All the negotiation’s history. Now we’re playing football.”

Oklahoma State’s 2024 season opens Saturday, Aug. 31, with a game against South Dakota State at Boone Pickens Stadium.

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