Q&A: Former NFL punter Drew Butler details his work with Icon Source

Drew Butler is one of the best punters in Georgia Bulldog history.

After a stellar college career for the Bulldogs, Butler signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft. Butler worked his way onto the regular season roster and would end up punting 77 times and averaging 43.8 yards per punt.

Butler’s best professional season would come in 2014 for the Arizona Cardinals. Butler would end up leading the NFL in punts landed inside the 20-yard line that season. Butler last played in the NFL in 2016.

Since ending his playing career, Butler has taken on many titles: podcaster, business owner, and now executive vice president. In March of 2021, Butler was hired by Icon Source, a platform that connects athletes and brands. Icon Source was launched in 2018 for professional athletes, as this was pre-NIL time.

In July 2021, Icon Source successfully negotiated its 1st NIL deal between the Cavinder twins and Boost Mobile. Since then, Icon Source has grown into the top NIL marketplace in the nation.

Butler is responsible for the collegiate side of Icon Source. As a former student-athlete and professional athlete, Butler knows the ins and outs of contract negotiation and athlete life.

Recently, we had the chance to conduct an interview with Butler. Check it out:

The NIL Deal: What made Icon Source the right fit for you?

Butler: “I had been interested in NIL since 2019 when California introduced the Fair Pay to Play Act. And obviously, I know what it’s like to be a student-athlete. I actually connected with Chase Garrett (founder of Icon Source) on LinkedIn and we just developed a relationship and it turned into me becoming Executive Vice President.”

The NIL Deal: Do you know many brands and athletes have been connected via Icon Source?

Butler: “Over 10,000 student-athletes have actually signed up and created profiles. Over 2,000 brands have done the same. We have more and more people signing up every day.”

The NIL Deal: Did your playing career impact your decision to join Icon Source? What made you so passionate about student-athlete compensation?

Butler: “Absolutely it did, I mean there’s nothing like having the experience. My playing experience is why I’m so passionate about…