(Hastings, NE) Tractor Tuesday is excited to announce that St. Cloud State University wrestler Derek Johnson has signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal to become a brand ambassador. Tractor Tuesday is an online auction platform for producers, empowering equipment owners with the tools to successfully represent and sell their own equipment. This collaboration is a great fit, bringing together an incredible student-athlete with a company dedicated to supporting athletes from agricultural backgrounds.

Derek Johnson was a four-time Kansas state champion in high school. Derek could look up to other athletes from his hometown who had come from an agricultural background. He said, “There were plenty of people in my community, especially in the Hoxie wrestling culture, who had grown up on a farm and had been very successful at the collegiate level during their time.”ย After graduating with a 3.98 GPA, Derek chose to attend St. Cloud State University, where he is currently a sophomore studying mechanical engineering.

Derek grew up on a small crop farm owned by his grandfather. When he was old enough, Derek started working for him, growing wheat, corn, and soybeans. He learned many valuable lessons out in the fields. “The farm has taught me to let go of mistakes, especially when I first started working on the farm. I screwed up, and as the years go on, you learn to take it in stride and get to work on fixing your mistake. Not only that but learning how to handle rough days, whether it’s harsh hot weather or a long day in the tractor, you learn to just do the work regardless of the conditions; if it needs to be done, you do it no questions asked.” Derek also appreciates the culture of a tight-knit agricultural community and the peaceful isolation of living on a country farm, on a dirt road far from everything else. He plans to work in agriculture, whether as a farmer or in some other capacity, using his education.
Derek is excited to be a brand ambassador for Tractor Tuesday, representing the company in various marketing campaigns and community outreach initiatives. “It’s great to see that they are bringing some attention to the kids who grew up in rural communities and spent their free time working, excelling in their sport, and succeeding at the college level as well,” Derek said.

“It’s awesome that we have been able to sign Derek as a Farm Athlete,” said Zach Bosle, CEO of Tractor Tuesday. “He’s a great wrestler and enthusiastic about agriculture, making him a great fit as a brand ambassador.”

This NIL deal underscores Tractor Tuesdayโ€™s commitment to creating opportunities for college athletes from farm and ranch backgrounds, helping them succeed in their athletic careers while staying connected to their roots.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

About Us

Farm Athletes is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to supporting NCAA college athletes from farm and ranch backgrounds. We aim to provide Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals that empower these hardworking student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom while honoring their agricultural roots.