Cam Rising and NIL insurance: disability & draft protection

Back when I was a young NBA reporter covering the Washington Bullets for The Washington
Times, I interviewed Chris Webber — the Hall of Fame power forward who had just been traded
from the Golden State Warriors after his public run-ins with coach Don Nelson.

Webber told me he had recently hired a personal chef. It sounded extravagant, he admitted, but
he insisted it was worth every cent. “A professional athlete’s body is his business,” he told me.
“Taking care of it is what extends your career — and maximizes your earnings.”

That interview came rushing back to me recently when I read an article in the New York Times
about college quarterback Cam Rising, who certainly could have benefited from Webber’s wise
Words.

Rising wasn’t just talented — he was fearless. He led the University of Utah to back-to-back
Pac-12 Championships and consecutive Rose Bowl appearances, often playing through injuries
that would sideline most players. Fans admired his grit. Coaches praised his leadership.
Teammates followed his example.

But football — like all sports — has a cruel side. Every play carries risk, and sometimes
toughness comes with a price.

In 2023, Rising suffered a devastating knee injury that changed everything. Multiple torn
ligaments. Months of grueling rehab. NFL scouts who once projected him as a mid-round pick
began to fade away. The dream of hearing his name called on draft day turned into a series of
medical updates and comeback stories.

And while Rising fought hard — as true competitors always do — the reality is that his lost time
and opportunity likely cost him millions in future earnings.

The story I read described how Rising is now coaching at his high school alma mater, Newbury
Park in Ventura, CA, reflecting on where he is now and what could have been. All I could think
was this: Cam Rising should have had disability insurance.

The New Era of College Athletics

Why NIL disability insurance and draft protection matter

When I interviewed Webber, college athletes were still considered “student-athletes,” prohibited
from earning outside income. But that era is over. Today’s college stars are, in all
respects, professional athletes — able to make millions through NIL (Name, Image, and
Likeness) deals and outside income.

The dynamic has changed. The mindset must change with it. For today’s college stars, NIL disability insurance and draft protection are part of that mindset. Every player is the CEO of their
own brand, and CEO’s are charged with making responsible decisions that are in the best interest of their company.

If Rising had come to me, I would have advised him to purchase a Permanent Total Disability
Policy, along with a Critical Illness Rider and a Loss of Value Rider — coverage that could
have protected his career and the generational wealth that comes with it.

Reports vary on Rising’s NIL income — some say around $500,000, others estimate over $1
million. Either way, his potential NFL contract could have been worth $3–$5 million or more.

At NIL Insurance Company, we could have structured a Total Disability policy worth $2.5
million — a tax-free lump sum payment in the event of a career-ending injury. Tragically, that’s
exactly what happened when Rising injured his finger after being pushed into a Gatorade
hydration table while playing against Baylor, an injury that prevented him from throwing. A QB
who can’t throw is, well, a race car without any tires.

That payout wouldn’t have restored his NFL dream, but it would have provided financial
stability and peace of mind — a foundation for the next chapter of his life. Managed wisely,
those funds could have supported him comfortably well into retirement.

Cam Rising and NIL insurance disability draft protection

The Hidden Value of Protection

If Rising had also carried a Critical Illness Rider during college, he could have received a tax-
free lump sum — potentially several hundred thousand dollars — when he tore his ACL, MCL,
and MPFL in the 2023 Rose Bowl. That injury cost him the following season and, ultimately, his
NFL future.

His story isn’t unique. In that same New York Times article, Rising’s current quarterback at
Newbury Park, Brady Smigiel, a Michigan commit, recently tore his ACL as well. Depending
on Smigiel’s NIL deal, a disability policy could have paid him several hundred thousand dollars
for that single injury.

Who knows what the future holds for Smigiel’s career — but he, and every aspiring college
athlete, would be wise to learn from Rising’s experience.

The Lesson

Cam Rising gave everything for his team. He played through pain, inspired a program, and left
his mark on Utah football forever.

But his story carries a powerful message — one every athlete, parent, and advisor should
Remember:

Don’t just bet on your talent. Protect it.

Editor’s note: This article references public reporting on Cam Rising. We did not insure or advise the athlete; coverage examples are illustrative.

FAQs

What is NIL disability insurance?

Coverage that can pay a lump sum if a career-ending injury prevents an athlete from competing, based on documented NIL/endorsement income and underwriting.

What is draft protection (loss-of-value) insurance?

Protection that helps if an injury or illness materially reduces a prospect’s draft position or contract value, subject to medical review and carrier terms.

When should a college athlete explore NIL insurance?

Before the season or key evaluation periods, when NIL deals and projected earnings can be documented for underwriting.

About the Author

Frank Hughes is the founder of NIL Insurance Company and a longtime sports journalist who has covered the NBA, NFL, and Pac-12. He now helps athletes, families, collectives, and schools protect future earnings with clear, tailored coverage. Contact: [email protected].

Licensed in all 50 U.S. states. Coverage subject to underwriting and availability.

Don’t Just Bet on Talent. Protect It.