Former Heisman winner Ricky Williams on NIL deals: 'The biggest taboo in college sports is now becoming the norm'

Roughly a year ago, the NCAA approved a new NIL policy, allowing student-athletes to be compensated for their name image, and likeness. 

So far, the new NIL rules have garnered varying opinions. 

While many believe they've been a positive for collegiate athletes and the sports themselves, others aren't so sure. 

It's only been a little over a year, but former Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams sees their impact. 

While Williams called NIL rights "revolutionary," he has his concerns.

"When I was coming up, the joke was when the star player drives up in the fancy car. Now, all the star players are driving up in fancy cars," Williams told Front Office Sports. "The biggest taboo in college sports is now becoming the norm. It seems somewhat unregulated. It's amazing to me. It's wild to think - and I'm curious about the long-term effects to this to amateur sports." 

Williams fears that collegiate athletics have become professional sports due to NIL deals and the transfer portal. He added that this could lead to players losing the "love of the game" and the "appreciation of a college education." 

To solve this possible issue, Williams believes NIL money should go into a trust that players can access once they graduate. 

"I don't think the players should be exploited, but I also don't think an opportunity to get an education should be taken advantage of or be exploited."