Kirby Smart has big request for schools to support athletes in NIL era

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart used his Thursday radio show to urge schools to bolster mental health support for athletes navigating the NIL era. Smart said the combination of financial pressure and outside expectations has pushed many players into “all-time high” mental stress, pointing to NIL earnings that can be substantial for college athletes. He also described how NIL money can draw attention from people athletes don’t know, creating added pressure to support an expanded network. Smart highlighted examples including QB Gunner Stockton’s $2 million NIL valuation, plus $1 million valuations for OL Earnest Greene and DL Elijah Griffin. Georgia is No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings.