BREAKING: Mizzou QB Brady Cook Signs $45 Million Powerade Deal, Donates $18 Million to Football Program and $4.8 Million to Local Charity
COLUMBIA, MO — In one of the most stunning and generous moves of the NIL era, Missouri Tigers star quarterback Brady Cook has signed a massive $45 million endorsement deal with Powerade, instantly making him one of the highest-earning college athletes in the nation. But it’s what he’s doing with the money that’s capturing hearts and headlines.
Cook, a fan favorite known for his leadership and loyalty to Mizzou, announced that he’s donating $18 million of his deal directly to the Missouri football program, ensuring continued growth, support, and excellence for the team that shaped his journey.
> “This program believed in me from the start,” Cook said during the announcement. “They’ve given me everything—the platform, the passion, the family. I’m just giving back to the place that made me who I am.”
But Cook’s generosity didn’t stop there. He also revealed he’s donating an additional $4.8 million to the Heart of Columbia Foundation, a local charity focused on youth development, housing, and education for underserved communities across Missouri. The move sparked praise not only from Mizzou fans, but from national voices in sports, philanthropy, and business.
> “Brady Cook is more than a quarterback. He’s a role model, a visionary, and the heartbeat of this university,” said Missouri Athletics Director Desireé Reed-Francois. “What he’s done here will impact generations.”
The Powerade deal includes an extensive national campaign titled “Fuel the Future,” where Cook will appear in commercials, social media campaigns, and NIL-based community outreach efforts aimed at inspiring the next generation of athletes. According to Powerade executives, Cook was the perfect fit—not just for his performance on the field, but for his authenticity and leadership off it.
> “Brady isn’t just a winner—he’s a builder,” said Powerade spokesperson Mia Carter. “He builds people up, builds programs, and builds legacies. That’s the kind of person we want representing our brand.”
Cook’s historic deal and philanthropic spirit have already made waves across college football. Analysts say it sets a new standard for what NIL can look like when driven by heart and vision. His actions have drawn comparisons to legends like Tim Tebow and J.J. Watt—athletes who used their platform for something bigger than themselves.
Mizzou Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz couldn’t hide his emotion at the press conference:
> “Brady’s the kind of guy who walks into a room and makes everyone better. What he’s doing right now… this is legacy stuff. This is Tiger pride at its finest.”
Social media erupted with admiration, as #BradyBuilt and #PowerCook trended across platforms. Fans, former players, and even rival schools commended the move, calling it “unprecedented,” “powerful,” and “the future of college sports.”
At just 22 years old, Brady Cook isn’t just chasing touchdowns—he’s building a dynasty of giving, grit, and greatness. With a rocket arm and a golden heart, Missouri’s QB1 just proved that you can make millions and still put mission first.
The Tigers have a leader. The SEC has been warned. And Powerade has a star with purpose.
