BREAKING: Tyshawn Dues Inks Historic $45 Million Powerade Deal, Channels Millions into West Virginia Sports
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college athletics world, West Virginia Mountaineers standout wide receiver Tyshawn Dues has signed a $45 million endorsement deal with Powerade, marking one of the most lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts ever secured by a student-athlete. But it’s not just the number that’s turning heads—it’s what Dues is doing with it.
At just 21 years old, Dues has already cemented his legacy on the field with record-breaking receptions, game-winning touchdowns, and a leadership style that earned him national attention. Now, with the ink barely dry on his contract, he’s making just as significant an impact off the field.
Of the $45 million deal, Dues is donating $18 million back to the West Virginia football program, in what school officials are calling a “transformational gift.” The funds are slated to fund a new state-of-the-art training facility named “The Dues Den,” provide lifetime scholarships for past players, and enhance recruiting infrastructure. Head coach Malik Atwood called the gesture “unprecedented” and “a defining moment for the program.”
But Dues isn’t stopping there. In a heartfelt press conference held at Morgantown High School, where he once ran drills under the Friday night lights, Dues announced a $4.8 million donation to launch the ‘Mountain Kids Sports Fund’, a statewide initiative aimed at providing free sports equipment, facilities access, and travel assistance for underprivileged youth across West Virginia.
“Growing up here, I know what it’s like to play with secondhand cleats or miss out on camps because the money wasn’t there,” Dues said, his voice cracking. “This isn’t charity—this is an investment in the next generation of champions.”
Powerade’s branding team praised Dues not just for his on-field excellence but for what their spokesperson called “an uncompromising commitment to lifting his community.” The partnership will also include a documentary mini-series titled “From Hills to Highlights,” tracking Dues’ journey from the coal town of Beckley to national stardom.
Analysts are calling the move a watershed moment in the NIL era. Never before has an athlete used such a major portion of a brand deal for direct social reinvestment. Sports economist Dr. Layla Monroe remarked, “This isn’t just a contract—it’s a blueprint for how athlete influence can reshape institutions and entire communities.”
Already, Powerade’s move has sparked rumors that other major brands are eyeing similar campaigns focused on purpose-driven athletes. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers prepare for their season with a revitalized locker room and renewed hope—driven not just by talent, but by Tyshawn Dues’ vision of a future where success is shared.
West Virginia fans already saw him as a hero. Now, he’s becoming a legend.
