OU's Danny Stutsman donates 'large portion of his NIL earnings' to his walk-on teammates (2024)

NORMAN— Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman, one of the best upperclassman linebackers in college football, has made quite the name for himself. Now, in a very classy way, he's using his notoriety to help his teammates.

OU announced Wednesday afternoon that Stutsman "continues to be a leader on and off the field and has generously donated a large portion of his NIL earnings back to the walk-ons who have been loyal to our program and Team 130."

Stutsman's agent, Brian Bradtke,told On3 Sports that Stutsman split up $50,000 among 18 walk-ons and those players also received their own individual care package from JBL Personalized Speakers.

The Oklahoma Football X account posted a video from a team meeting where Stutsman stood at the front of the Sooners' Red Room inside the Barry Switzer Center, flanked by walk-on players, and gave them the good news.

"I remember talking to (OU general manager and former S.O.U.L. Mission director Curtis Lofton) and saying I wanted to do something for the walk-ons," Stutsman said. "I remember (former OU tight end) Chris Hammons did that a few months ago, and I was really moved by that.

"And so obviously there's days where you feel like your hard work doesn't get seen and doesn't get noticed. But it really does here at Oklahoma. Every single day we appreciate you guys. This team would be nothing without you guys. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I truly do mean that.

"And I feel like I have a really good connection with all you guys, and I just know how much you guys put into this program, and sometimes you think it's not seen, but it is. And so with that being said, I would like to donate some of my NIL earnings to you guys so you guys could have a little something else. After the meeting, this will be in your lockers."

Claps, cheers and whistles broke out and a couple players gave Stutsman a big hug to express their gratitude.

Stutsman's personal brand has exploded in the last year, especially after the 2023 Red River Rivalry. He delivered a rousing pregame speech, headlined by his assertion that "Oklahoma only fears God, and Texas fears Oklahoma."

After the Sooners beat Texas at the Cotton Bowl, that phrase, along with an iconic photo of Stutsman sitting in the locker room and wearing the Golden Hat trophy while donning sunglasses and smoking a cigar, was made into a T-shirt. Oklahoma City-based Opolis Clothing produced and sold the shirt and Stutsman got a cut of the profits.

In that same week, Stutsman made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN and got a "Horns Down" tattoo on his leg.

His more recent NIL deals include a Schwab Meats commercial he filmed alongside Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin, and a "Stutsman Bowman '24" hat he and OU safety Billy Bowman launched to commemorate their decision to return for their senior seasons.

The presidential ticket-themed flat bill caps will soon be followed by a merchandise line, Stutsman said in a recent interview with 107.7 The Franchise. He thought the apparel collaboration would be a cool idea to help Bowman raise money to pay for his impending wedding with former OU softball star Jayda Coleman.

Stutsman, who led the team with 104 tackles and 16 tackles for loss last season, originally planned to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, but unselfishly decided to return for his senior year and help OU through its first season in the SEC.

Now, he is making another selfless move to aid his teammates and adding to his legacy ahead of his final season in crimson and cream, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday night against Temple in Norman.

Stutsman's peers voted him a captain for the contest against the Owls. He'll go out for the coin toss alongside Bowman, quarterback Jackson Arnold and tight end Bauer Sharp.

Speaking to reporters after practice Monday night, Stutsman detailed the recent moment where it hit him that Friday would be his last first game at OU.

"I was in the training room and (S.O.U.L Mission director) Caleb Kelly walked up to me," Stutsman said. "He was a guy who was in his sixth year during my freshman year. That was crazy. Now I'm a senior, so it's crazy how time flies. We were just kind of reminiscing about how he used to hang out with me at Headington Hall. And now it's kind of like a full-circle moment.

"It's kind of surreal how fast it goes. I remember the freshman year. You tell all the young guys— they don't believe you. I didn't. But your time has come. It's a little sad, but I'm happy to be with the guys that I came here with— Billy, Ethan (Downs) and Jalil (Farooq). I'm just excited for one last ride."