Chambana Sun

Former Auburn High School football standout and now starting senior left tackle for the Fighting Illini Vederian Lowe is excited about the name, image, and likeness law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

For him, the NIL bill is comforting for student-athletes whom he says are deserving of appreciation for the amount of work and “countless hours into our sport that we’re in, whether that is football or basketball, track and field, volleyball, swimming, any sport.”

"This bill creates a historic change in the way how things have been," Lowe said. "Just a few years ago, you couldn't do anything to make a profit off your name image or likeness and you can’t make any money or do anything to try and give back to your community."

The 6'6" Illini offensive lineman also recognizes the importance of the law in helping shape the careers of student-athletes. 

"This is something that is very important to all of us student-athletes,” he said. “This is something we all have been dreaming of and now it is a reality and we’re very grateful for that. This is a big deal for all of us as being part of the student-athlete community."

Lowe, who briefly considered entering the NFL draft before deciding to take advantage of the additional year of eligibility given by the NCAA to athletes because of the pandemic, is now banking on the NIL law for a chance to provide for his family.

“I didn’t know how it was all going to change back then, but I did know this was a possibility when it was time to make that decision, and I’m glad I did because this has given me a chance to provide for my family in a way that I never thought I would be able to,” Lowe said.

That family has now grown since Lowe became a father. He also has full guardianship of his younger brother, Vydalis, after their mother died in 2019.

The Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act signed by Pritzker will allow – for the first time – a student-athlete in Illinois to be compensated for the use of his or her name, voice, image, or likeness.

The bill, which garnered bipartisan support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in both Houses, also “Provides that a student-athlete's financial aid, awards, and other benefits may not be revoked, reduced, or the terms and conditions altered as a result of the student-athlete receiving compensation.”