Jared McCain Strikes NIL Deal With Sally Hansen Nail Polish

Duke Men's Basketball Star Continues to Defy the Haters

Ahead of their sweet 16 matchup against Houston, Duke men's basketball freshman, Jared McCain announced he has earned an NIL deal with nail polish company, Sally Hansen.

While McCain claims that he has been painting his nails on and off ever since the COVID-19 lockdowns, the deal came as a surprise to some social media users.

McCain has continued to paint his nails “Duke Blue” throughout the entire 2023-2024 season (Left: TikTok, Middle: Getty Images, Right: Twitter).

”I think everyone should do some self-care for themselves,” said McCain in a video while painting his nails. “For me, it’s nail painting. I’m sorry if that offends any of you guys.”

In the video, McCain endorsed Sally Hansens’ Insta Dri Polish, which dries in 60 seconds. He goes on to state that he originally started painting his nails to stop himself from biting them, and that he likes to get manicures and pedicures to take care of his body.

“I know a lot of people disagree, a lot of people don’t like it,” said McCain. “But I’m just gonna be myself and do what I think looks nice.”

He later states that he continued to paint his nails due to superstition after having a good game while wearing nail polish.

“I’m not crazy superstitious but if I thought it looked nice, I thought it helped me play better,” said McCain. “And so far it’s worked.”

McCain isn't the only star athlete taking a stance on men’s beauty. USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy Winner, Caleb Williams, was recently spotted at a women’s March Madness game with painted nails and a pink phone case.

“You don’t always see male athletes who play football paint their nails,” said Williams. “But I think it’s just another way of expression.”

While many male athletes such as McCain and Williams continue to face backlash for breaking traditional gender roles, they also continue to be authentic and continue expressing themselves in the way they want.