High School NIL Reality Guide

What Every Athlete, Parent, Coach, and School Needs to Know

The rules keep changing. The principles that lead to success don't.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has transformed the landscape of high school and college athletics, leaving many families overwhelmed by confusing state rules, social media hype, recruiting misinformation, and unrealistic expectations.

This book cuts through the noise. Written by former NFL and CFL defensive lineman, Vanderbilt graduate, chiropractor, and youth mentor John DeWitt, High School NIL Reality Guide provides athletes, parents, coaches, and school leaders with a practical framework for making confident, informed decisions in today's rapidly changing NIL environment.

Inside you'll discover:

• How NIL really works at the high school level

• Why recruiting and NIL are not the same thing

• How the transfer portal has changed recruiting opportunities

• The biggest contract and social media mistakes families make

• When to hire an agent—and when not to

• How parents can become their athlete's greatest advantage

• A simple decision-making framework for evaluating opportunities with confidence

More than a guide to NIL, this book is about preparing young athletes to make wise decisions long after today's rules have changed. Whether you're navigating your first NIL opportunity, preparing for college recruiting, or simply trying to understand what today's landscape means for your family, you'll find practical advice grounded in conversations with athletic directors, coaches, attorneys, branding experts, and former professional athletes. Opportunities come and go. Character, preparation, and good decisions last a lifetime.