Eight million dollars. That’s the kind of offer that usually gets a quick ‘yes’ in college football. But what if we tell you there’s a star quarterback who just rejected this offer? Yes, we’re talking about LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina’s QB1. He had his breakout year in 2024, showcasing his sharp QB skills, raising his stock through the roof. But when a massive NIL deal came his way this offseason, he didn’t even flinch. He decided to stay loyal to his roots in Colombia.
With his dual-threat ability and massive frame, he could’ve easily taken the money and dipped. But LaNorris decided to stay with the Gamecocks. Just straight loyalty. In today’s college football world? Yes, it’s shocking when you constantly hear the news of players flip commitments from their programs for various reasons and chase the next best opportunity. But what made LaNorris stick with Shane Beamer’s team? It wasn’t just a loyalty move. It was personal.
In a recent episode of The Triple Option, host Rob Stone directly brought up the thing, saying, “Your dad made headlines this offseason,” he said, referencing the rumored $8M offer, “but I loved the response from both of you; it just felt like you’re in a good place and didn’t need the money to mess with things. So why is this such a good place for you?” Sellers’ answer? Simple and honest: “Uh, it’s just close to home. My parents come out for my games. I can still go home for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and all that. If ever I need something, I can just shoot up the road home. If they want to just come up here, just get away from home, they can come to me. So, I mean, run on my family and all. That’s all I need.” Sellers said.
It’s a rare feat to see an athlete prioritizing his family over money in today’s NIL-driven landscape. He’s just 20 years old, and it’s great to see his dad’s involvement in these crucial decisions. But critics hint that things can be different from what they seem on the surface. Who knows if he wanted to accept the offer, but he didn’t due to pressure? But these are all whispers with little to no proof. Meanwhile, LaNorris also revealed that he’s bought a house in Columbia. “I’m still paying rent on my apartment,” he laughed, “but I’m slowly moving stuff in. I’ll move in before fall camp, because after that, it’s time to go,” he said. That’s not just a college kid making a football decision. That’s a boy investing in his life.
And, of course, when you get a house, people are going to ask who’s moving in. Rob Stone sure did. “Will Jayden come in with you?” he joked, referring to LaNorris’ younger brother and South Carolina’s newest freshman wideout, Jayden Sellers. LaNorris laughed, “He asked… still deciding what I want to do with him.” Then Rob added, “You gotta make him pay some rent,” and LaNorris didn’t miss a beat, saying, “Oh yeah, 100%. He’s not living for free, gotta chip in on his mortgage.” Classic older brother energy. Amid all this, one thing’s for sure: LaNorris is with the Gamecocks for something big, and the upcoming fall might even prove that.
LaNorris Sellers is built for the long haul in South Carolina
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 242 pounds, Sellers moves quite smoothly, and we witnessed that last season. Playing as South Carolina’s starting QB, Sellers racked up 2,534 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That’s not it; he also rushed for 674 yards and completed seven touchdowns. The numbers are enough to tell what kind of talent he is. And that’s why he is one of the star QBs who is regarded as the top NFL-calibre signal-caller already.
Not even his numbers in the last season or that $8M deal have brought a slight change in his nature. Because when the head coach himself is all praises for you, then it’s safe to say that you’ve been doing some great stuff for the team. “He’s still the same person, as far as how he handles his business, his work ethic, the way he treats people and goes about things day to day,” HC Shane Beamer said.
At the end of the day, the story isn’t about rejecting the money. It’s about choosing what your heart says. LaNorris chose Columbia. Chose family. He decided not to disappear in the NIL portal circus. And who knows, if he’s about to lead the Gamecocks into a season that proves that choice was the biggest win of all.
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