ASU Coach Kenny Dillingham’s Vision: The “Cardiac Burger” Economy and the Power of NIL for Stars Like Sam Leavitt
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham isn’t just building a formidable team; he’s envisioning an entire economic ecosystem centered around Sun Devil success. Picture this: a local eatery offering a ‘Cardiac Burger’ in his honor, a dish symbolizing the thrilling, nail-biting victories his team delivers. This playful concept, born from a recent media session, underscores a much more serious and impactful message from Dillingham: the untapped potential of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and robust corporate partnerships to elevate not just the ASU program, but the entire local community.
The Vision for Sun Devil Success: Beyond the Field
Dillingham recently shared his conviction that while administration and fan support are unequivocally strong—evidenced by six sold-out home games this season—the missing piece for long-term program stability and growth lies in deeper corporate engagement. He sees NIL as a powerful, mutual benefit. For student-athletes, it’s a financial boon, helping retain top talent. For businesses, it’s an unparalleled marketing opportunity.
Imagine a scenario where promising players, such as quarterback Sam Leavitt, who brings significant buzz and talent to the Sun Devils, could have a local restaurant feature a ‘Sam Leavitt Special.’ This isn’t just hypothetical; Dillingham passionately advocates for this kind of direct, community-level engagement.
“If you’re a local company and you want to engage our community, or if you’re a new business and you want to get people involved, what better way to get your brand out there to the city than utilizing our players?” Dillingham urged. “We have a city behind us… Our success leads to more success in local business. We’re a revenue generator for the city.”
The “Cardiac Burger” Philosophy: Thrills and Profits
The ‘Cardiac Burger’ isn’t just a catchy name; it’s a metaphor for the thrilling, heart-stopping games ASU has become known for. With five wins this season by a combined 17 points, including a dramatic field goal victory over Baylor and a 25-23 win over West Virginia sealed by a late interception, the Sun Devils certainly keep fans on the edge of their seats. This excitement translates directly into heightened fan engagement, media buzz, and ultimately, greater visibility for any business smart enough to align itself with the program.
Dillingham believes this energy can be harnessed into tangible economic benefits. He points out that branding food items or services after players isn’t just charity; it’s a shrewd marketing expense. Businesses that embrace this model aren’t just supporting athletes; they’re investing in a powerful, hyper-local marketing campaign that resonates with a passionate fan base.
Unlocking Community Power: A Call to Local Businesses
The coach’s message is clear: the opportunity for real NIL partnerships abounds, extending beyond just restaurants to any local business seeking to elevate its platform. “There are opportunities for real NIL here where our players are being branded. You’re supporting the athlete. We can do that on such a high scale,” Dillingham emphasized. He questions why every restaurant in the city doesn’t yet have a food item named after an Arizona State Sun Devil. It’s an advertisement, a community tie, and a business-savvy move rolled into one.
The NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy, enacted in 2021, opened these doors, allowing student-athletes to benefit from their personal brand in unprecedented ways. For more details on these regulations, visit the NCAA NIL policy page.
The Unseen Piece: Connecting with the City’s Pulse
Despite the remarkable strides in fan engagement and administrative backing, Dillingham acknowledges a vital missing link: a deeper connection with the city’s businesses and high-end donors. He sees ASU not just as a university sports program, but as a significant revenue generator for the city. The success of the Sun Devils can directly fuel local economies, attract visitors, and enhance civic pride.
This initiative is about creating a symbiotic relationship, where the success on the field translates into prosperity for local entrepreneurs and, in turn, their support helps build an even stronger, more competitive ASU program. It’s a continuous loop of mutual benefit, with passionate fans and dedicated players like Sam Leavitt at its heart.
Dillingham’s vision is ambitious but clear: activate the entire valley. The ‘Cardiac Burger’ isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a symbol of a dynamic, interconnected future where Sun Devil football isn’t just a game, but a driving force for community and economic development.
