Northrup’s Decision to Sign with Lil Wayne is Smart

Former Florida State linebacker and current NFL Draft prospect Reggie Northrup was the recipient of some publicity this week as he became the first NFL prospect to sign with rapper Lil Wayne’s Young Money Sports.

The rapper’s agency will handle Northrup’s marketing and branding while Rep 1 Sports will represent him. Whether or not Young Money Sports has much to offer an athlete remains to be seen, but for Northrup, the decision seems fairly wise.

According to most current projections, Northrup is expected to go undrafted in April. Northrup runs well, but is a bit undersized for an inside linebacker at 230 pounds. Northrup also suffered a major knee injury during the Seminoles’ 59-20 Rose Bowl loss to Oregon to conclude the 2014 season.

Northrup’s decision to sign with Lil Wayne is smart if nothing else because it creates exposure. The added press makes Northrup a more recognizable name. With Northrup’s draft stock already relatively low, he has virtually nothing to lose by making the decision.

On the field, Northrup has led FSU in tackles in each of the last two seasons. After becoming the first player in eight years to tally 100 tackles as a junior in 2014, Northrup led the Seminoles with 94 total stops last season. Over the last two seasons, Northrup has five tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a defensive touchdown.

This year’s NFL Draft will be held in Chicago from April 28-30.