(Hastings, NE) Tractor Tuesday is excited to announce that University of Nebraska linebacker Derek Wacker 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.
In high school, Derek excelled at football, racked up Nebraska state medals in track and field, and was a state runner-up in wrestling. He also sought success off the field, being part of two state-champion journalism teams and in the National Honors Society for three years. This will be Derek’s first season with the Huskers.
Derek says that a “farm athlete” that inspired him was his father, who grew up on a family ranch in Hemingford, Nebraska. He said, “My dad was a state champion in wrestling and a great football player. I have no doubt that living on a ranch made him the athlete he was and father he is today.” Derek appreciates the work ethic of ranch life, saying, “I learned how to welcome hard work at a young age. Pushing calves through a chute for branding really teaches you how to not be afraid of getting hurt and how to toughen up and accomplish something hard. These lessons really benefitted then and still do now.”
Derek also fondly remembers his days spent on his grandparents’ ranch and how he would enjoy the quiet beauty of ranch life. “I could ride 4-wheelers and enjoy a neat sunset or get up early in the morning to hunt in miles and miles of sandhills. If you wanted to go on a peaceful walk, you only needed to step off the front porch and start walking. If you wanted an adventure, you could go climbing on the hay bale stacks or explore old buildings and find an antique.”
Derek is enthusiastic about being a brand ambassador for Tractor Tuesday, representing the company in various marketing campaigns and community outreach initiatives. He said, “It is a great honor because I know that there aren’t many who get this kind of opportunity and I am very grateful that Farm Athlete chose me to become a brand ambassador for Tractor Tuesday.”
“It’s great to have Derek on the team,” said Zach Bosle, CEO of Tractor Tuesday. “I can’t wait to see what Derek achieves on the field for the Huskers, and I think he is a great representative for us.”
This NIL deal underscores Tractor Tuesday’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.
