Loyalty Over Millions: Linkon Cure Turns Down Massive NIL Temptation to Stay True to Kansas State
In a college football era dominated by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and high-dollar bidding wars, loyalty has become a rare currency. But Kansas State’s prized recruit Linkon Cure is proving that heart still matters more than headlines.
The five-star tight end from Goodland, Kansas, recently stunned fans and analysts alike by reportedly turning down a staggering $6.7 million NIL offer to transfer—allegedly from a major SEC program—in order to stay committed to Kansas State. While the exact details of the offer remain unverified, the buzz surrounding Cure’s decision has ignited a powerful message: not every star can be bought.
A Homegrown Star Who Stuck with His Roots
Cure’s rise through the high school football ranks is already legendary in Kansas. As a multi-sport athlete and state champion hurdler, his athleticism set him apart early. On the gridiron, he racked up 946 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tight ends in the country.
With offers pouring in from national powerhouses like Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and USC, the path seemed paved for Cure to follow the bright lights of a traditional blue-blood program. But instead, he shocked the recruiting world in December 2024 by committing to his in-state school, Kansas State—a place he said “felt like home.”
The Value of Loyalty
The rumored NIL offer—more than double what he’s currently earning—was reportedly designed to lure Cure into the transfer portal. But he didn’t flinch. “I committed to Kansas State because I believed in their vision, their coaches, and the culture here,” Cure reportedly told those close to him. “No amount of money changes that.”
While many top athletes are chasing seven-figure deals, Cure’s commitment to his original path reflects a rare kind of character. His loyalty resonates in a landscape where long-term development, community connection, and program identity are often overshadowed by short-term payouts.
Elevating Kansas State
Cure’s decision is more than just symbolic—it’s strategic. At Kansas State, he’ll be the centerpiece of an offense that’s tailored to his strengths. The Wildcats’ coaching staff has a proven track record of developing versatile talent, and Cure is poised to thrive in a system built to showcase his unique blend of size, speed, and skill.
His presence has already sparked momentum for the program, attracting national attention and inspiring other recruits to consider K-State as a serious destination for elite talent.
A Bold Statement in Modern College Football
Whether the $6.7 million offer was precisely that amount or not, the story of Linkon Cure stands as a testament to something increasingly rare: staying loyal when no one expects you to. In choosing Kansas State over wealth and prestige, Cure isn’t just betting on himself—he’s betting on the power of purpose, relationships, and building something meaningful from the ground up.
In today’s college football, that kind of loyalty is worth far more than any paycheck.
