Notre Dame football star is now officially a published author

The world of NIL has been an interesting one for everyone involved in the Notre Dame football program. Some guys have gotten contracts to sell clothing or other sports related items.

Some just get paid to make appearances and meet fans. Others use the ability to make money while playing college football to do things like become published authors.

That’s how Notre Dame football defensive back Jaden Mickey has decided to use his newfound freedom. The defensive back, who recently announced he’s redshirting and transferring when the portal is open is still spending time doing other things.

Not long after he announced his plan for the rest of 2024, Mickey announced he’s indeed a published author of a YA book. “The Win Isn't Always On The Scoreboard” just hit the defensive back’s official site and is available for sale on Amazon.com.

Notre Dame football DB is published author

According to the website, the book is told from the perspective of a middle schooler as he traverses various obstacles in everyday life:

“The Win Isn't Always On The Scoreboard chronicles the life of J, an 8th grader with big dreams. Star athlete, scholar, and popular at school, J seems to have it all. Everything changes when his family has to move from the comfort of Braxton, and he lands in the den of his archrivals, The Langford Lions. Moving to a different city is one thing, but J has to survive a new school, a new team, and worst of all, his nemesis, Carter. Follow J as he learns valuable lessons about teamwork, commitment, and how The Win Isn't Always On The Scoreboard.”

The book's release is yet another reminder that all kinds of players are finding interesting ways to take advantage of the NIL rules prevalent in the NCAA these days.

Sadly, whatever else Jaden Mickey comes up with will probably be with another team. Mickey has one foot out the door for Notre Dame football as he’s planning on leaving once he can.