After the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA’s) names, images or likeness (NIL) laws changed this summer, college athletes have been racking up deals and earning the accolades they deserve for the dedication and tireless grind they bring to their respective sports.

According to CBS, Alabama Crimson Tide freshman Ga’Quincy McKinstry becomes one of the latest to get in on the action with his recent NIL deal as it is a full circle moment. From his childhood to his collegiate career, his nickname has been “Kool-Aid,” (his officially listed first name on Alabama’s roster). Now, he’s partnered with the drink company itself.

Kool-Aid’s Twitter gave a warm welcome to the Alabama football player by switching account names with him.

“In honor of our new partnership, we’ve swapped names with Kool-Aid McKinstry and given him the power of OH YEAH,” the brand’s Twitter bio reads.

OHHH YEAHH! @GaQMcK1 #ItsOfficial #SigningDay #BrandAthlete pic.twitter.com/bfiO9KwIW9

— Kool-Aid Man (@koolaid) August 18, 2021

McKinstry also joined in on the celebration of officially joining Kool-Aid’s team with his bio stating: “Honored to partner with Kool-Aid the Brand. I will be sharing the OH YEAH title with the Kool-Aid Man!” McKinstry then sealed the deal by tweeting Kool-Aid’s famous slogan, “OHHH YEAH!”

It was practically destined for Kool-Aid to come knocking on McKinstry’s door as his nickname was established by his grandma because he first came into the world smiling like the Kool-Aid Man. Fast forward up to now and the cornerback unknowingly manifested the Kool-Aid partnership earlier this month in a CBS This Morning interview.

“I am a big Kool-Aid fan,” said McKinstry. “It’s something I always dreamed of, it’s something I always dreamed to be a part of, so hopefully that can happen one day in the near future.”

The NIL deal is a no-brainer to many as the Birmingham native was the top-ranked cornerback and No.17 overall player in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports.

McKinstry has joined fellow Alabama teammates as well as other college athletes like Master P’s son, Hercy Miller, Historically Black College and University athlete, Ky’Wuan Dukes, University of Miami’s D’Eriq King, and more who have also signed NIL deals, AfroTech previously reported.

Ga'Quincy McKinstry

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