ESPN Shockers: Notre Dame Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr Stuns College Football World—Declines $4.5M NIL Deal from Michigan to Succeed Riley Leonard! Already Secured $2.1M in December, but Chose Loyalty to the Irish Over Bigger Payday—A Bold Move in Today’s Chaotic NIL Landscape**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football universe, Notre Dame’s rising star quarterback CJ Carr has made a decision that defies conventional wisdom and underscores his character—rejecting an eye-popping $4.5 million NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal from rival Michigan to remain committed to the Fighting Irish and succeed the talented Riley Leonard. This bold choice highlights the shifting dynamics of college athletics, where money, loyalty, ambition, and tradition collide in a landscape more chaotic than ever before.
CJ Carr, a highly touted recruit out of California, has been on the radar of college football fans since his high school days. Known for his arm talent, football IQ, leadership, and poise beyond his years, Carr quickly emerged as one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation. His decision to join Notre Dame, a program steeped in tradition and legacy, was seen as a major coup for the Irish—a signal that Carr was committed not just to his personal development but also to a program that values grit, discipline, and excellence.
During his breakout season, Carr showcased his ability to command the pocket, make precise throws, and elevate his teammates. His leadership qualities shone through, and he quickly earned the respect of coaches, teammates, and fans. As the Irish gear up for a new era, the spotlight has increasingly focused on Carr as the quarterback of the future—a player who could define the program for years to come.
In recent years, NIL deals have revolutionized college sports, allowing athletes to monetize their fame and brand. While this development has created unprecedented opportunities, it has also introduced a new layer of complexity and competition—sometimes
The news of Michigan’s massive NIL offer to CJ Carr emerged as a shock to many in the college football world. A $4.5 million deal—an amount more commonly associated with professional contracts—signaled just how fiercely competitive the NIL market has become. Michigan, a program with a storied history and a rising national profile, evidently saw Carr as a cornerstone piece to competing with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.
Sources close to the deal revealed that Michigan’s offer was designed not only to attract Carr but also to set a precedent for the kind of money that elite recruits and players could command. It included substantial signing bonuses, endorsement opportunities linked to local and national brands, and future incentives based on performance. Yet, despite the allure of financial security and the promise of immediate stardom, Carr made a decision that surprised many—he declined.
Earlier in December, Carr had already secured approximately $2.1 million through NIL agreements—contracts with apparel companies, local businesses, and digital platforms. These deals, which he secured during his recruitment and early college career, underscored his marketability and rising star power. However, what truly set Carr apart was his choice to prioritize loyalty and tradition over the lure of the biggest paycheck.
Sources close to Carr indicate that his decision was rooted in a deep sense of commitment to Notre Dame and its values. Carr grew up admiring the Fighting Irish’s storied history—legendary players, iconic moments, and a culture of resilience. For him, the opportunity to succeed Riley Leonard at Notre Dame was about more than just playing football; it was about representing something larger—a mission that transcended money.
In a landscape dominated by lucrative NIL deals, Carr’s choice is nothing short of extraordinary. Many college athletes, especially those with marketability and media appeal, often gravitate toward programs willing to offer them the biggest financial incentives. Some even transfer from one school to another, chasing bigger NIL opportunities, sometimes at the expense of team stability and program loyalty.
Carr’s decision signifies a shift—a reminder that amidst the chaos of NIL and transfer portals, some players still value loyalty, tradition, and personal principles. His choice to stay with Notre Dame, even when faced with a tempting offer from Michigan, speaks volumes about his character and his vision for his college career.
Today’s college football is more unpredictable and fluid than ever. The NIL era has created a “free agency” atmosphere, where players can switch schools for bigger payouts, and programs are constantly adjusting their rosters, recruiting strategies, and NIL partnerships to stay competitive. The transfer portal has become a staple, with hundreds of players changing teams each season, reshaping conference dynamics.
Amidst this chaos, Carr’s decision stands out as an anomaly—an example of sticking to one’s principles in a landscape often driven by financial incentives. His choice resonates with traditionalists who believe that loyalty, school pride, and team cohesion still hold value. It also raises questions about the long-term impact of NIL on college football’s identity, competitive balance, and the student-athlete experience
