Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has clarified remarks he made regarding the potential impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on college football players' motivation and practice habits. Smart's initial comments, made after a game against the Florida Gators, suggested that increased NIL earnings might be contributing to a decrease in practice intensity and an increase in injuries.
"Everybody is practicing less, but everybody’s getting injured more," Smart initially stated, questioning the intensity of current players compared to previous teams. He added, "A lot of these guys, honestly, they make more than I did until I was 40. It’s just a different day and age."
These statements drew some criticism, with some arguing that coaches also benefit financially from the current landscape. In response, Smart clarified his position, stating he believes it is "awesome" that college athletes can now earn money.
"I don’t want to come across as whining," Smart explained. "I think it’s awesome that players are getting paid. I wish they were being paid when I played because then maybe I wouldn’t have had to get a $5,000 job for the summer trying to work. But that is none of my concern. It is more long-term effect of earning power, what is the value of a dollar, do I actually know how hard it is to go out in the real world, and gotta go work for $60,000? That outlook can be tough on guys. But the earning power they have while they’re here, more power to them."
Smart emphasized that evaluating a player's potential reaction to earning significant money has become a crucial aspect of recruiting. "That still is an art in recruiting and decision-making: Are you recruiting the right kinds of kids that will not be affected by that," he said. "Well, now it’s our job to decide as coaches. Do you have the right kind of people in your program who will be motivated for the team, and the culture of the program?"
Smart also touched on how changes in roster limits, such as the 2025 House settlement limiting rosters to 105 players, may also influence practice intensity, as coaches may be less inclined to risk injuries with smaller rosters.