Gainesville just got a little more luxurious for Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz. In a notable Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement, Mertz has announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville. This exciting collaboration ensures Mertz will be cruising in style as he heads into his final college football season, adding a premium brand to his growing NIL portfolio.
This isn’t Mertz’s first venture into the automotive NIL space. Previously, he partnered with Essential Motors NJ, securing a Range Rover Sport Supercharged in February 2023. Now, linking up with Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville, the specific details of the new deal remain undisclosed. However, it’s confirmed that Mertz will be actively involved with the Gainesville Mercedes-Benz dealership throughout the summer and fall. Expect to see him making appearances and engaging in promotional activities across social media platforms, further amplifying the Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville brand within the Florida Gators community and beyond.
Mertz is coming off a strong first season with the Gators in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He impressed on the field, racking up 2,903 passing yards and 20 touchdowns while throwing a mere three interceptions. His completion percentage was also top-tier, leading the SEC at an impressive 72.9%. Despite the team’s 5-7 record and Mertz missing the final game due to a collarbone injury, his performance highlighted his value to the team. Now fully recovered and heading into the summer, Mertz is firmly positioned as Florida’s starting quarterback and a key leader both on and off the field.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier has publicly praised Mertz’s leadership and impact. “The first thing I would say is he has the respect of the entire organization and the respect of his teammates,” Napier stated this spring. He further emphasized Mertz’s professionalism, work ethic, and the standard he sets for the entire team. Napier highlighted Mertz’s return as “a huge deal” for the program, not only for his own play but also for the mentorship he provides to younger players like highly-touted recruit DJ Lagway.
The rise of NIL has transformed the landscape of college athletics, and car dealerships have become increasingly common partners for student-athletes. These deals vary, with some providing athletes with seasonal vehicle access, while others offer different forms of brand ambassadorship. For Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville, partnering with a high-profile player like Mertz is a strategic move to connect with a broad audience and build brand recognition within the Gainesville and Florida Gators market.
Beyond Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville, Graham Mertz has cultivated a diverse NIL portfolio. He has secured endorsements with major brands including Panini America, Pepsi, Raising Cane’s, and PDQ Chicken. He is also slated to participate in the prestigious Manning Passing Academy. Furthermore, Mertz is actively involved with Florida Victorious, a leading NIL collective supporting Florida athletes. Adding to his growing list of ventures, Mertz has opted into the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 25 video game and launched his own merchandise line, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and marketability. With a significant social media presence of nearly 105,000 followers, Mertz is effectively leveraging his platform to build his brand and engage with fans, making the partnership with Gainesville Mercedes-Benz a perfect fit for his expanding influence.
