The transition from college football to the NFL isn’t just about the game—it’s about seizing opportunities beyond the field. Many pro players leverage endorsement deals to boost their income, but Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers has set the bar higher than anyone expected. Landing one of the largest paydays ever for a seventh-round draft pick in his debut season, Ewers isn’t stopping there. His next move with the Dolphins might surprise you.

Former Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers stirred up plenty of talk after his bold decision to skip the rest of his college eligibility. Reports suggest a $4 million NIL deal awaited him, perhaps even at another school than Texas, given that Arch Manning might be the starting quarterback this season. Instead of staying in college, Ewers took a chance and entered the NFL draft. The Dolphins drafted him in the seventh round, as pick number 231. His rookie deal is worth about $4.3 million over four years. It was just a bit more than that NIL offer, which sparked discussions about whether he should have played another year in college.

Even so, Ewers made a pretty savvy business move this week. On Friday, he locked down an exclusive autograph and trading card deal with Panini, reportedly worth $3 million. Pro Football Talk backed up the news, “Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers left $4 million on the table by not transferring to the University of Miami. He’ll make $3 million in an exclusive trading-card deal with Panini,” sharing it on their X handle the next day.

As for his future with the Dolphins, Ewers has some opportunities ahead. Right now, Tua Tagovailoa holds the starting QB spot. But with his injury history and mixed reviews as a franchise guy, it’s anyone’s guess how long that lasts. Behind Tua, Miami added former first-rounder Zach Wilson this offseason. Wilson is set to take on the backup role. And Ewers will start out as the third-string QB on the depth chart.

Ewers came into college as a highly hyped five-star recruit and initially committed to Ohio State. Things didn’t pan out there. So he switched gears and transferred to Texas, where he spent the last three seasons. During his time with the Longhorns, he helped the team compile a solid 33–10 record and made bowl games every season. He even reached the College Football Playoff semifinals twice. Not bad for a guy who’s just getting started. Quinn Ewers not only made a bold choice in the draft. However, he also shared his thoughts with future recruiters.

Quinn Ewers: Inspiring the next generation of recruits

Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers shared some advice for young athletes hoping to play college football during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere this week. He emphasized the importance of staying consistent and focused. Especially with the pressures surrounding recruiting and the rapidly changing landscape of NIL deals.

Ewers, a standout at Texas and the top recruit in the Class of 2021, spoke with On3 about his journey and the lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation of players. He encouraged young athletes to be present, particularly in high school when they may not receive as many offers or recognition from coaches. “Just remain present and continue to be consistent,” he said. “As long as you stay consistent, you will end up where you want to be. That’s just how it works.” Those are some words of wisdom.

After beginning his college career at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to Texas, where he built on his reputation as a top recruit. He acknowledged that luck played a role in his early attention, but it was consistency that ultimately helped him succeed. “I was fortunate to be highly recruited. But I stayed as consistent as I could for as long as I could,” he explained. “That focus on remaining present, taking care of business, and trusting the process helps you succeed. Because everything else falls into place if you put in the work.”

Currently, young athletes face more opportunities—and distractions—than ever, thanks to social media fame and lucrative NIL deals. Ewers’ simple message about working hard and trusting the process serves as a valuable reminder to focus on the basics. These fundamentals are what lead to long-term success in sports and beyond.