FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Meritrust Credit Union has now signed the quarterbacks at the state’s two flagship universities to name, image, likeness (NIL) deals.
After earlier announcing it had entered into a promotional agreement with University of Colorado quarterback Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis, the credit union said it has entered into a deal with Hauss Hejny, who is fighting for the starting job at Colorado State.
Meritrust said the partnership with Hejny is “aimed at promoting financial confidence and financial well-being among students and young adults.”
Hejny, a native of Aledo, Texas, transferred to Colorado State from Oklahoma State, after beginning his collegiate career at TCU.
Meritrust said the partnership will provide opportunities for the quarterback to connect with students and other young adults as they make financial decisions and plan for their futures.
‘Ready for What’s Next’
“Football has taught me to stay focused, put in the work and be ready for what’s next,” Hejny said in a statement. “I’m excited to partner with Meritrust to learn how those lessons can carry beyond the field and share them with the community I care about, especially when it comes to building strong financial habits and making decisions for our future.”
Meritrust said the partnership is intended to emphasize the role financial well-being can play in overall health while expanding the credit union’s connections with communities in Colorado, including Fort Collins.
“We’re excited to welcome Hauss to Team Meritrust as he takes on this new opportunity on the field,” Meritrust CEO James Nastars said in a statement. “We look forward to working together to help more young people feel confident about their financial futures.”
The $4-billion Meritrust said the partnership is the latest effort by Meritrust to use sports-related relationships to promote its brand and financial education initiatives.
Colorado and Colorado State are not scheduled to play each other this year.
