NFL Super-Star Myles Garrett Donates \$7.4 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Montreal Canadiens; NFL Superstar invests in Canadiens’ future, creating one of the largest athlete support funds in NACC history
Montreal, QC — May 28, 2025
In a surprising cross-sport move that has stunned both football and hockey communities, Cleveland Browns defensive end and NFL superstar Myles Garrett has donated a staggering \$7.4 million to launch a groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) fund exclusively for players within the Montreal Canadiens organization.
The fund, titled the *Garrett Impact NIL Initiative*, aims to provide financial support, marketing exposure, and personal brand development to Canadiens prospects and young players—making it one of the largest athlete support funds in the history of the North American Club Circuit (NACC).
“I’ve always admired the grit and legacy of the Montreal Canadiens,” said Garrett during a press conference at the Bell Centre. “This is about investing in athletes beyond the game—giving them the platform and support they need to control their narratives, build their brands, and thrive both on and off the ice.”
The fund will initially focus on Canadiens draft picks, AHL affiliate players, and junior prospects who are under team control but often lack financial leverage in early stages of their careers.
Under current NACC guidelines, players can earn income through endorsements, social media presence, merchandise sales, and appearances. Garrett’s fund will connect players with top-tier branding agencies, media trainers, and legal advisors to maximize these opportunities.
The initiative has already drawn praise across the sports world. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes called the donation “a visionary act of generosity and belief in the next generation of athletes.”
“Not only does this elevate the Canadiens’ developmental structure,” Hughes said, “it sets a precedent that will ripple across hockey—perhaps even all professional sports.”
Garrett, an outspoken advocate for athlete empowerment, has previously dabbled in venture philanthropy but said this project is “the closest to \[his] heart” due to its focus on young, often overlooked talent.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the move as “innovative” and suggested it could lead to broader conversations about athlete compensation models across the league.
In a show of unity, Canadiens players, coaches, and front-office personnel wore #95 hats—Garrett’s NFL jersey number—during morning skate ahead of tonight’s game against the Maple Leafs.
While many still marvel at what inspired a Texas-born football player to back a storied Canadian hockey franchise, Garrett simply said: “Greatness recognizes greatness. And if I can help someone else shine brighter, then I’ve done my job.”
The Garrett Impact NIL Initiative will officially launch this summer with its first class of 12 players, signaling what could be a new era in cross-sport athlete support.