Sony Michel, starting running back for the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams, is launching a limited-edition drop to commemorate his first year in LA.
Sony has once again chosen to team up with PWRFWD, the athlete-to-consumer marketplace, to release top-shelf physical and digital products that let fans engage with Sony and the broader PWRFWD community.
This is the NFL star’s first NFT project.
“I love what PWRFWD is about, and I’m excited to drop my latest product in such an innovative way.” – Sony Michel.
The University of Georgia alum partnered with Dallas Hobbs, a Washington State defensive lineman, and graphic designer, to come up with something that would resonate with fans.
The two found time to riff on creative concepts between practices, settling on an abstract representation of Michel sporting a set of horns in front of a royal blue cityscape.
“We’ve got the buildings and palm trees in the background to pay homage to LA,” said Hobbs, “but the centerpiece is Sony.”
Ultimately, the collection is a nod to the Rams running back’s reputation for physicality on the football field.
“When I look at the concept,” said Michel, “it reminds me of my running style. That’s me, always focusing on yards after contact.”
NFTs will be minted on the environmentally friendly, low-fee Solana blockchain to make it easier for fans to participate.
The drop, which goes live on Friday, January 14 at 12:00 pm EST, will consist of three tiers:
Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images Unique: Holder will receive a heavy-cotton tee and accompanying signed NFT that unlocks access to attend athlete-led creative sessions, win tickets to games, receive VIP passes to PWRFWD events, and more. The winner will also be invited to participate in a future Sony Michel PWRFWD creative kick-off session, receive a curated package of TWO_SIX gear, a personal message directly from Sony Michel, and autographed memorabilia. There will be one available.
- Rare: Holders receive a heavy-cotton tee and accompanying NFT that unlocks access to PWRFWD’s private Discord community, early access to all future PWRFWD NFT drops, and entry into a lottery to win Sony Michel autographed memorabilia. There will be 50 available.
- Limited: Holders receive an archival print and accompanying NFT that unlocks access to PWRFWD’s private Discord community. There will be 100 available.
Through PWRFWD’s partnership with Encore, the rewards platform for fans built on the blockchain, fans will be able to earn rewards by completing athlete-specific challenges. Top scorers on Sony Michel’s challenge will win free products.
Terance Mann of the Los Angeles Clippers and Zia Cooke, a star basketball player at the University of South Carolina, both have PWRFWD drops scheduled this January as well.
Learn more at DROPS.PWRFWD.CO.
Featured Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images