Diego Pavia’s NFL Draft Ambiguity Clarified
Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia stirred up social media this week when he mentioned he wouldn’t be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, his agent provided some clarity on Wednesday, suggesting that Pavia has been looking out for himself during his college career.
Pavia made his comments while appearing on Jon Gruden’s show on Barstool Sports. During the discussion, he talked about his decision to return to Vanderbilt after the 2024 season. Reflecting on his situation, he noted how the competition in the SEC made it difficult for him to find a place initially. He expressed gratitude for being at Vanderbilt, saying, “You guys got me somehow. I know I’ll be back.”
He also discussed his interactions regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) contracts, mentioning that they were able to negotiate something that worked for both him and the team.
When prompted by Gruden about whether he had an agent, Pavia revealed he is representing himself, stating, “I didn’t think it was fair for someone to represent me and take 5-10%. No one is taking my money.”
This revelation caught many off-guard, but Pavia’s agent later clarified online that the NFL prospect wasn’t discussing his future professional career, rather the nuances of NIL negotiations. “Stop that stupidity. He didn’t have an NIL agent. I’m his NFL agent,” remarked Maruki Kawa, the founder of First Round MGMT.
In January, Pavia had announced on Instagram that he signed with Kawa’s agency in preparation for the draft.
Recently, it was reported that he had visited the Carolina Panthers. Despite putting up impressive stats at Vanderbilt—throwing for 3,539 yards, with 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, as well as rushing for 862 yards and 10 more scores—he is projected to be a late pick in the draft.
Diego Pavia’s agent explains quarterback’s comments about not having representation
Diego Pavia’s NFL Draft Ambiguity Clarified
Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia stirred up social media this week when he mentioned he wouldn’t be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, his agent provided some clarity on Wednesday, suggesting that Pavia has been looking out for himself during his college career.
Pavia made his comments while appearing on Jon Gruden’s show on Barstool Sports. During the discussion, he talked about his decision to return to Vanderbilt after the 2024 season. Reflecting on his situation, he noted how the competition in the SEC made it difficult for him to find a place initially. He expressed gratitude for being at Vanderbilt, saying, “You guys got me somehow. I know I’ll be back.”
He also discussed his interactions regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) contracts, mentioning that they were able to negotiate something that worked for both him and the team.
When prompted by Gruden about whether he had an agent, Pavia revealed he is representing himself, stating, “I didn’t think it was fair for someone to represent me and take 5-10%. No one is taking my money.”
This revelation caught many off-guard, but Pavia’s agent later clarified online that the NFL prospect wasn’t discussing his future professional career, rather the nuances of NIL negotiations. “Stop that stupidity. He didn’t have an NIL agent. I’m his NFL agent,” remarked Maruki Kawa, the founder of First Round MGMT.
In January, Pavia had announced on Instagram that he signed with Kawa’s agency in preparation for the draft.
Recently, it was reported that he had visited the Carolina Panthers. Despite putting up impressive stats at Vanderbilt—throwing for 3,539 yards, with 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, as well as rushing for 862 yards and 10 more scores—he is projected to be a late pick in the draft.
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