Should Manti Te'o beat out Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein for the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, he would join an elite group of college athletes and even more exclusive list of defense-only players to win the prestigious award.
A career on Sundays likely awaits Te'o next fall, with millions of dollars in guaranteed money, but Notre Dame may also benefit financially if Te'o's name is called tomorrow night in New York City.
ESPN's Michelle Steele spoke with Baylor assistant athletic director Health Nielsen, who estimated the university profited 250 million in "extra donations, increased ticket sales,licensingfees, sponsorship deals, an expanded deal with Fox Sports Southwest" and even higher sales in corn dogs at Floyd Casey Stadium.
Griffin, who beat out Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck for the Heisman last year, also helped Baylor see a 10 percent rise in donations to the Bear Foundation. Royalties on branded merchandise are up more than 50 percent, the Baylor athletics page saw records for internet traffic, and Griffin's award helped finalize plans for a new 250 million stadium.
Notre Dame isn't pushing for a new stadium, and has its TV deal as secure as any team in the country, and the program as a whole is much more stable than Baylor's was before Griffin's magical season. But if Te'o can come home to South Bend with a Heisman Trophy in his hands, the Fighting Irish stand to see a substantial financial raise, even before they square off with Alabama in the National Championship on Jan. 7.
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