By now it’s well known that, before turning into a wrestling superstar and blockbuster actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a name for himself as a college football player at Miami in the 1990s, playing defensive end for the Hurricanes during their 1991 national championship season. So it should come as no surprise that Johnson is teaming up with some of today’s most popular college sports stars for his next business venture.
Through his energy drink brand, ZOA Energy, Johnson revealed on Wednesday his new NIL program called “The Rock’s Warriors,” and he introduced seven high-profile college athletes as the collective’s inaugural class. The group includes LSU basketball star Angel Reese, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr., North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, Miami safety Kam Kinchens, Florida A&M infielder Amaya Gainer and Austin Peay State guard Hansel Enmanuel.
Dwayne ‘@TheRock’ Johnson has signed the first 7 college athletes to NIL deals for his energy drink, ZOA:
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 19, 2023
▪️ Angel Reese, LSU
▪️ Brock Bowers, Georgia
▪️ Drake Maye, UNC
▪️ Hansel Enmanuel, NSU
▪️ Amaya Gainer, Florida A&M
▪️ Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State
▪️ Kam Kinchens, Miami pic.twitter.com/RXTPk2r11o
“I personally selected these phenomenal individuals because of the energy, tenacity, and excitement they bring to the game,” Johnson said in a statement. “With a diverse set of stories and experiences, they’re driven, hungry, talented, and ready for ZOA to help fuel them to greatness.”
Reese is coming off a national championship run in which she earned Most Outstanding Player honors at this year’s Final Four. As sophomores last season, Maye was the ACC’s Player of the Year, while Harrison was a unanimous All-America selection. Both are projected to be first-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft, and they return as two of the most accomplished college football players for the 2023 season.
“I’m pumped to be a part of such a unique group of athletes, and who better than The Rock to bring us together for a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” Reese said in a statement. “ZOA is all about putting in the work, learning from your wins and losses, and empowering others, something I strive to do every day on and off the court, so it was a no-brainer to join the first class of The Rock’s Warriors.”
