When it comes to making a name for himself, an athlete these days can never start too early.
Real dollars are available long before you join the professional ranks, finally, thanks to changes in NCAA rules.
Having one of the biggest brands in video games certainly doesn’t hurt, but what happens when they team up?
he’s next
Have you heard of Elijah Haven?
If not, this is likely to change.
He is a high school quarterback from Baton Rouge, LA, who has verbally committed to Alabama.
Although Haven won’t suit up for the Crimson Tide until 2027, he’s not looking forward to introducing himself to the game and the world beyond it.
The 6-5, 225-pound senior joined EA Sports this spring as part of the company’s General/EA Sports program.
This is not only an opportunity for Haven to make its name among a larger audience, but also a new frontier for EA. While the company long known for creating the Madden NFL franchise first began partnering with college football players prior to the return of EA Sports’ college football video game two years ago, Havens is the first high school football player to sign with the company.
The General/EA Sports program is designed to go beyond the traditional endorsement model and introduce players to fans as they build their legacies from the ground up, including sharing their passion, telling their stories and getting involved in the community.
“It starts with being visible first and supporting athletes not just as competitors, but as culture shapers who are creating something bigger around themselves,” John Reisberg, EA’s vice president of marketing, partnerships and communications, said in a press release. “That’s what makes this moment powerful.”
life changing decision
is heaven The No. 1 quarterback recruit in the country according to the 247Sports composite rankings..
He chose the Crimson Tide over his hometown LSU and other SEC schools such as Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, in a decision announced in April.
“We just think it’s the best fit for me,” Haven told 247Sports after announcing his commitment.. “It’s been great getting to know these coaches over the past year or so, through constant communication. We feel like this is the best fit, and is the place where I can best develop as a player, but also as a person.”
But for most athletes – and for that matter all people – what they do is simply part of who they are.
In Haven’s case, he’s also interested in music, and EA is helping him share his interest in a campaign launched this week.
As part of that effort, Heaven has released a curated Spotify playlist To give fans a glimpse of the tunes that motivate them, whether they’re working out or just looking to relax.
It includes hits from artists such as SZA, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Jack Harlow, Future and Drake.
“This playlist matches my personality,” Haven said in an Instagram post. “It can be quiet sometimes, but it can also bring energy.”
“I can listen to music any time, whether I’m getting ready for sports, going to school, relaxing and commuting, I feel like it has a song for every situation.”
Undoubtedly, the way DeHaven plays the game will ultimately be the biggest factor in his becoming a star, but it’s interesting to look behind the scenes at what a player can do even this early in his career.
