ESPN SHOCKER: Titans QB Will Levis Turns Down $4.5M NIL Offer from Pitt to Stay Loyal to NFL
In a jaw-dropping twist that’s sent shockwaves through the college football and NFL worlds, Tennessee Titans quarterback William Donovan Levis has reportedly declined a massive $4.5 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal from the University of Pittsburgh. The offer, sources say, would have placed him as the heir apparent to Pitt’s current QB Eli Holstein. But instead of chasing a lucrative payday and a return to the college spotlight, Levis chose loyalty—electing to remain with the Titans and continue his journey as an NFL starter.
This decision comes just months after Levis secured a $2.1 million endorsement package in December, already placing him comfortably among top-earning young athletes. But for Levis, the NFL dream appears to mean more than cash grabs or high-profile NIL deals. In an era where top talent is increasingly tempted by the college ranks’ newfound financial freedom, his choice is rare, even bold.
The Offer: $4.5M to Lead Pitt
According to reports, the University of Pittsburgh was prepared to throw a record-setting NIL package at Levis to lure him back to the college gridiron. With their current star Eli Holstein expected to move on—either to the NFL or the transfer portal—Pitt saw Levis as the perfect replacement to steady the ship and lead a high-powered offense.
The deal would’ve included full commercial endorsement rights, exclusive media deals, and a personal quarterback coach funded through the program’s booster-backed NIL collective. For most players, even those already in the NFL, that kind of money is nearly impossible to refuse.
Loyalty Over Lucrative Offers
But Levis did just that. Despite some early-career struggles, he has carved out a role as a promising signal-caller for the Titans, who drafted him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. With Tennessee in a rebuilding phase and franchise leadership showing trust in Levis’s development, the 25-year-old seems determined to honor that faith.
Sources close to the quarterback say his decision was rooted in commitment and competitiveness. “Will wants to prove he belongs in the NFL. He’s not ready to backtrack to college ball, no matter how flashy the offer,” one team insider told ESPN.
A Statement in the NIL Era
Levis’s move is making headlines not only for its rarity but for what it says about the state of NIL and professional loyalty. With college programs now able to rival some NFL salaries thanks to booster support, the line between NCAA and pro football is blurrier than ever.
For some, returning to college for a financial windfall might seem like a smart business move. But for Levis, the prestige, pressure, and long-term potential of playing in the NFL are worth more than a short-term cash injection.
What This Means Going Forward
For Pitt, the snub is a setback. They’ll have to recalibrate their quarterback strategy heading into the season. For Tennessee, it’s a strong sign of leadership from their young quarterback—something fans and management alike can rally behind.
And for Levis, it’s a powerful message: not every decision in football has to be about money. Sometimes, it’s about belief—both in a franchise, and in yourself.
In a time where dollar signs dominate headlines, Will Levis just reminded the sports world that heart still matters.
