Arizona State offensive linemen announce NIL deal with Arby's

Everyone knows the importance of having beef along the offensive line, and now Arizona State can safely say they have the meats.

On Thursday, it was announced that eight different offensive linemen for Arizona State inked NIL deals with Arby's as part of the fast food chain's Thighsman Award:

The recently-unveiled award from Arby's is designed to celebrate trench players on both sides of the field in college football, and it's a fitting partnership for a company whose slogan is built around all the different types of meats - including, yes, beef - they offer. Legendary quarterback Joe Theismann is involved in the award.

Another quarterback who's already building a legend of his own was also involved. Sun Devil quarterback Sam Leavitt apparently took it upon himself to reach out to Arby's and request that his offensive linemen be recognized via the Thighsman Award. He added comments praising his offensive line and the importance they hold in powering the Sun Devil offense each week.

The eight specific linemen getting recognized by Arby's are starting center Leif Fautanu, starting left guard Ben Colema, a trio of tackles in Josh Atkins, Max Iheanachor, and Emmit Bohle, guard Cade Briggs, and walk-on Makua Pule, who has seen work as a jumbo fullback in goal line situations this year.

Not only is this a cool moment of deserved recognition, led by the budding star Leavitt, but the NIL implications are another reminder of the endless possibilities that come with winning football. This comes on the heels of another recent development that sees former NFL player and offensive line guru LeCharles Bentley partnering with Arizona State offensive linemen for training and development programs in the offseason.

When it comes to the offensive line, Arizona State has proven they have the meats. And if the winning ways keep up, the beef will only grow in supply out in the desert.