In a move that has left fans, analysts, and even professional franchises speechless, Myles Rice, Indiana Hoosiers’ electrifying junior point guard, has rejected a record-breaking $220 million NIL offer reportedly tied to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and Dallas-based representatives — all to return for another season of college basketball in Bloomington.
The stunning decision is already being hailed as one of the boldest acts of loyalty in modern college sports history. As Rice put it himself:
“I have no regrets. I’m not chasing a bag — I’m chasing a banner.”
The Offer That Shook Two Sports
The magnitude of the offer is without precedent in the NIL era.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed the deal involved a unique and highly ambitious crossover campaign. The Saints and Dallas-linked parties (believed to be sponsors and marketing agencies with ties to the Cowboys) were prepared to structure an NIL contract that included:
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$220 million in combined endorsements, performance bonuses, equity stakes, and personal branding rights.
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Exclusive training with NFL coaching staff to prepare Rice as a dual-sport athlete.
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Partnerships with global lifestyle brands and sportswear companies.
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A docuseries chronicling Rice’s transition from NCAA star to multi-sport icon.
The idea? To position Rice as the next great two-sport phenom — part Bo Jackson, part Deion Sanders, part brand unto himself.
But Rice turned it down.
Flat.
A Different Kind of Legacy
Rice, a 6’3″ floor general and cancer survivor, became one of college basketball’s biggest stories this past season. After transferring to Indiana from Washington State, Rice averaged 19.8 points, 7.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals, leading the Hoosiers to an Elite Eight finish and re-establishing IU as a national power.
Fans embraced him instantly — not just for his skill but for his story. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2022, Rice fought through months of treatment before returning to the court with even more drive. His perseverance became symbolic of a larger Hoosier revival under head coach Mike Woodson.
When the NIL offer surfaced, many assumed Rice would leap at the chance. How could anyone say no to generational wealth?
He answered Friday.
“This school, this program — they gave me a second chance,” Rice said at a press conference in Assembly Hall. “And now it’s my turn to give everything I’ve got back to them. The NFL can wait. Dallas can wait. Right now, I’ve got one goal: hang banner #6 in Bloomington.”
Coach Woodson: “He Just Shocked the World”
Head Coach Mike Woodson, emotional and proud, called Rice’s decision “the biggest recruiting win we’ve never had to recruit.”
“He just shocked the world,” Woodson said. “People don’t say no to $220 million. But Myles? He’s not people. He’s family. He’s a Hoosier. And he just became a legend.”
According to sources within the program, Rice never even entertained contract talks seriously. He was respectful, listened, but made it clear early on that he intended to return to Indiana.
Social Media Erupts
Within minutes of the announcement, social media exploded. Rice’s name trended nationally on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
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LeBron James tweeted: “That’s rare. Respect that. Loyalty still matters 💯 #MylesRice”
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Patrick Mahomes added: “$220M? And he said nah?? Built different. Champion mindset.”
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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called Rice “the most grounded star in college sports today.”
Even NFL players chimed in. Saints quarterback Derek Carr posted: “Was hoping to see Myles in black & gold… but mad respect for the decision. Kid’s heart is in the right place.”
What Could’ve Been: The NFL Angle
It’s important to understand the full gravity of what Rice walked away from.
The NIL offer wasn’t just about endorsement money — it was a fast-track opportunity. Several NFL analysts believe Rice, with elite quickness and football instincts from high school, could’ve transitioned to wide receiver or slot corner with time.
“He’s that type of athlete,” said one anonymous NFL scout. “You don’t throw $220 million at just anyone. They really believed he could make the leap.”
The Saints and Dallas-linked groups were also reportedly interested in building a cross-sport platform around Rice — similar to Nike’s early treatment of Michael Jordan, but spanning basketball and football, with international branding.
All of it? Gone in one decision.
“They can build that empire around someone else,” Rice said. “I’m building something different — a culture, a legacy, and a standard at Indiana.”
Why He Stayed: Purpose Over Paychecks
When asked directly why he turned down the money, Rice didn’t hesitate.
“Because I believe in what we’re doing. We were this close to the Final Four. I know we can win a national title. That means more to me right now than any contract. Money comes and goes. Banners hang forever.”
Rice also credited Indiana fans for his decision, noting the support he received during his comeback season.
“Hoosier Nation took me in like family. You don’t leave family when they need you the most.”
The Ripple Effect Across College Sports
Rice’s decision has already ignited conversations about loyalty, NIL ethics, and the direction of collegiate athletics.
College coaches around the country praised the move. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo said, “That’s the kind of player every coach dreams of. He values his team over the limelight.”
Meanwhile, former college athletes now in the NBA weighed in too. Jalen Brunson, a former Villanova star, said, “When the lights go out, it’s about the moments, not the money. Myles gets that.”
Recruiters are also calling this a “program-defining moment” for Indiana. The Hoosiers were already landing top recruits and transfers. Now, they have a player who turned down NFL riches just to finish what he started.
“This sets a tone,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas. “Rice just told every high school kid in America: If you want to build something meaningful, come to Indiana.”
Banner Dreams: What’s Next for the Hoosiers
With Rice back, Indiana immediately becomes a top-three national title contender. Returning nearly all key contributors and adding two 5-star recruits, Woodson’s squad looks loaded.
“We’ve got the talent,” Rice said. “Now we’ve got the hunger. And we’ve got each other. Let’s go get it.”
The Hoosiers haven’t won a national title since 1987. But with Rice’s leadership and a renewed team identity, hope is alive in Bloomington.
Final Word: “This is Bigger Than Me”
At the end of the press conference, Rice stood up, looked around the room, and said something that will likely be etched into IU history:
“This is bigger than me. This is about showing that it’s okay to stay. It’s okay to fight for something real. I’m not here to be rich — I’m here to be remembered.”
He smiled. The crowd of media and teammates gave him a standing ovation.
And somewhere in the NFL offices of New Orleans and Dallas, executives quietly realized something rare had just happened:
They got outbid by something money can’t buy.
Loyalty.