Gardner Minshew beer commercial, explained: Former Washington State QB featured in NIL ad for Ol’ Crimson lager

Gardner Minshew and Ol’ Crimson — a match made in Washington State heaven. 

The former Cougars quarterback made a latest look in an ad for his alma mater, selling a brand new beer dubbed Ol ‘Crimson Legendary Lager. The sale of the beverage is a part of the Cougar Collective’s initiative to lift funds for future NIL offers. 

Partnerships between universities and alcoholic drinks are sweeping the nation. A lot of different faculties have discovered that beer gross sales is usually a win for NIL collectives. Examples embrace SWARM Golden Ale at Iowa, Ames Lager at Iowa State, Cincy Light at Cincinnati, Hell’s Half Acre Lager at TCU, and The Horseshoe Golden Ale at Boise State. 

Here is what to know in regards to the ad, the beer, and the historical past behind Minshew and Washington State. 

MORE: What Raiders’ QB depth chart looks like with Gardner Minshew, Aiden O’Connell

Gardner Minshew beer business, defined

Minshew is featured in a brand new business selling Ol’ Crimson Legendary Lager, a beer produced by the Pike Brewing Company. 

You can’t get extra Washington State than Ol’ Crimson and Gardner Minshew.

So, when it got here time for the Cougar Collective to launch a beer to lift cash for NIL offers, it solely made sense to companion the 2 Washington State icons in a business.

Story: https://t.co/tl5pTtFkdI pic.twitter.com/vsLHkcgs6d

— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) May 8, 2024

The latest member of the Raiders is seen carrying Ol’ Crimson, the flag for Washington State soccer, by way of a grassy discipline. In the background is a voiceover that particulars the historical past behind Washington State and its resilience during the last 12 months with convention realignment. 

“It only made sense to have the man, the myth, the legend appear in the commercial for us,” Tim Brandle of the Cougar Collective said to On3. “Gardner was in town for the CougsFirst! QB Classic golf tournament and the spring football game. When approached about the opportunity to represent the Cougar Collective and help with the commercial, he was on board, no questions asked.”

Washington State is not part of an influence convention as a result of dissolving of the Pac-12. The latest beer for Cougars followers will assist elevate funds by way of gross sales, and that cash can return towards student-athletes. 

“If there’s one thing that Cougs will always be Power 5 at, it’s drinking,” Brandle mentioned. 

Gardner Minshew school stats

Minshew solely spent one season with the Cougars soccer program, but it surely was a memorable one. 

After taking part in JUCO for a 12 months at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Minshew spent two years at East Carolina. He then transferred to Washington State for the 2018 season, the place he grew to become a nationwide identify in the school soccer world. 

Minshew helped the staff to an 11-2 file by setting Pac-12 and faculty information for passing yards and completions. He ended the marketing campaign in emphatic style with a win over Iowa State in the Alamo Bowl, the place he was named MVP. He additionally completed fifth in Heisman Trophy voting that season and gained Pac-12 Player of the Year. 

Passing stats

Rushing Stats

What is the Cougar Collective?

The Cougar Collective is a “third-party non-profit corporation formed to work with WSU student-athletes” for the needs of NIL, based on their website. 

The group “offers WSU student-athletes near limitless opportunities to engage in NIL activations, including: autograph signings, social media promotions, camps and clinics, charity events, special appearances, commercials, merchandise, and many more.”

What is Ol’ Crimson?

Ol’ Crimson is the flag for the Cougars that may be a signal for faculty spirit and delight for Washington State. 

The flag gained nationwide consideration in 2003 when it was used as a rallying cry for Cougars followers to convey ESPN College GameDay again to Pullman. Now, it’s a frequent function of each College GameDay broadcast, irrespective of the placement.