Debbie Blount is a sophomore golfer at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Ga.
She's also the latest college athlete to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, the 50-unit sports bar chain.
She also happens to be 63 years old.
Blount is part of the chain's Walk-On of the Week program, which awards NIL deals to underdog athletes and highlights their stories on social media. Blount, who made Reinhardt's golf team without a scholarship as a freshman last year, certainly fits that bill.
"I had to work very hard to keep my grades up and to qualify for all the tournaments, but I had a ball as a walk-on," Blount said in a video provided by the chain. This year, Blount earned a partial scholarship and is a key member of the team. She also has a 4.0 grade point average. "I'm here at the conference championship playing in the No. 1 position today," she said, standing just off one of the course's greens.
Debbie Blount is a member of Reinhardt University's golf team. / Image courtesy of Walk-On's
According to a story on Reinhardt's website, Blount attended X-ray school in 1975, but was never able to find the time for college because of family obligations. After her husband and father both passed away a few years ago, she began thinking about going to college and getting back into golf, a former passion of hers.
Blount joins Walk-On's Family of Athletes, which includes athletes from around the country in a variety of sports. Athletes can nominate themselves for consideration by Walk-On's, and the chain is awarding deals through the end of 2021.
NIL deals have become a popular marketing tool for restaurants since the NCAA began allowing athletes to profit off of their personas earlier this year. Raising Cane's, Bojangles, Zaxby's and Runza have all inked deals with college athletes.
Louisiana-based Walk-On's is closely aligned with pro football and other sports. Its founder Brandon Landry walked on to Louisiana State University's basketball team, and the company also has ties to NFL players Drew Brees and Dak Prescott.
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