Hendon Hooker signs NIL deal with French's year after Tennessee fan threw mustard bottle on field
Hendon Hooker is cutting the mustard in his senior season with Tennessee football.
French's Mustard took notice and signed the Vols quarterback to its first name, image and likeness deal, the company announced Friday in a fitting move after a Tennessee fan threw a French's bottle onto the field at Neyland Stadium during the 2021 season.
French's gave Hooker a pair of custom mustard-inspired sneakers as part of the deal. Hooker will use his social media accounts to advertise French's, while French's plans to roll out giveaways following the deal.
“I’ve been a huge fan of French’s my whole life, so it’s a dream to work with such an iconic brand," Hooker said in a release. “I love that French’s has become part of our games, and this will be a fun opportunity to keep building that relationship with the community – not to mention raising my sneaker game.”
If you don't know, now you do 😏🧡 pic.twitter.com/YLYIosPxPW
— French's (@Frenchs) November 4, 2022
A French's Mustard bottle was among the many items launched as Tennessee fans displayed their displeasure with a call in the final minute of UT's 31-26 loss to Ole Miss in October 2021. It landed near the 10-yard line in the southeast corner, settling in a debris field of Dasani water bottles, crushed beer cans, vape pens, and liquor bottles.
Just got a release that Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker has an NIL deal with French’s mustard.
Pretty fitting choice of school.
Also can’t wait for the rivalry with @bijanmustardson. pic.twitter.com/uPFXOw37J6— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) November 4, 2022
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, a former UT coach, was hit by a neon-yellow golf ball.
Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren was ruled short of a first down on a fourth-and-24 attempt with less than a minute to play. Officials reviewed the play and upheld the ruling on the field, causing fans to revolt against the referees.
Hooker also signed an NIL deal with Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville, he announced Thursday.
Hooker and the No. 3 Vols (8-0, 4-0 SEC) face No. 1 Georgia (8-0, 5-0) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS). He is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season. He has thrown for 2,338 yards and 21 touchdowns with one interception.
Hooker is in his second season as the UT starting quarterback after transferring from Virginia Tech.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker signs NIL deal with French's Mustard