Carson Lindsey, born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri is a senior defender for the KC Roos Men’s Soccer team who wants to give back to his community through a NIL deal.

  In 2021, the NCAA approved a huge change that would allow college athletes to make money through NIL deals. “NIL” refers to the way college athletes can receive compensation for the usage of their name, image,N and/or likeness through marketing and/or promotional endeavors. 

  Lindsey recently signed with the restaurant “Chicken n’ Pickle” called “CNP Campus Crew” because he often finds himself hanging out there with friends.

  “This NIL deal opens up opportunities for me to help the community and meet different athletes with the same interests as me,” Lindsey said.

  Chicken n’ Pickle’s website says their “cultural imperative to our community is to give back, with many philanthropic events and service-oriented endeavors to strengthen our neighborhood and beyond.” This philosophy lines up well with Lindsey’s aspirations.

  Chicken n’ Pickle has seven locations around the country including two in the Kansas City area; one in North KC and one in Overland Park. It is a fast growing restaurant with several new locations coming in 2023. CNP Campus Crew (started in 2022) is also growing with immense speed, with 12 college athletes and counting signing with the local restaurant. 

  The athletes, who are a part of the campus crew, are expected to post promotional content on social media and participate in two community events during the contract period.    

  “It is a super fun organization that holds different events that we all go to and just meet up to play pickleball and talk with people of the community,” said Lindsey.

  In exchange for their promotional contributions, each athlete will receive gift cards from Chicken N’ Pickle and discounts on events, such as pickleball court times.

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