July 2026
STudent Athlete: Christian Weddington
“Being part of the Brooks 98Strong NIL program has truly been a life-changing experience. From the start, 98Strong opened the door for me to engage directly with the Brooks Running brand in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The program not only exposed me to the world of creative product marketing, but it also helped me understand what it takes to represent a brand authentically - both online and in real life.
One of the standout moments for me was attending the NYC Marathon and experiencing the Brooks Hyperion House activation. That event wasn’t just about running - it was about community, culture, and connection. Through 98Strong, I had the opportunity to network with various Brooks teams, which ultimately gave me the confidence to apply for and secure a position in their Summer internship program.
After more than 2 years in the Brooks NIL program, I’m now a Sports Marketing Events Intern with the company. This journey from NIL partner to intern has been deeply rewarding. I’ve been able to bring firsthand insights into how Brooks can continue to elevate the sub-elite athlete experience, and I’ve seen how brand partnerships done right can create real, lasting impact.
98Strong didn’t just connect me with a brand - it helped me launch a career.”
Christian Weddington | @christianweddington
