UNC Football: How can fans support Devontez ’Tez’ Walker?
By Jordan Falls
Devontez ‘Tez’ Walker, the UNC Football wide receiver, and his situation has been well-documented. Now there is a way you can support Walker; here’s how!
Devontez ‘Tez’ Walker was officially ruled ineligible for the 2023 season last Thursday after the NCAA chose to stay with its original decision for the eighth time. Since the summer, this has been a back-and-forth debate between the UNC football program and the NCAA, and it became public in early August.
As a result of Walker being ruled ineligible, Tar Heel fans have been begging for someone to step up and provide a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunity for Walker since he is missing out on several on-the-field opportunities to take advantage of NIL.
While NIL is still somewhat new to college athletics, it is a great way for college athletes to make a living for themselves and/or their families and capitalize on their on-field production. Unfortunately, the NCAA is preventing Walker from this chance.
Mack Brown said last week the Carolina Family needed to lift up Tez Walker and do everything we can to support him.
"Moving forward, our Carolina family is strong and we need to wrap our arms around Tez, lift him up, and make sure we continue to do all we can to support him. He’s continued to work, on the field and off, and remained an amazing member of our program throughout this ordeal. I know that will continue to happen because that’s the kind of person he is. Despite this setback, Tez’s future remains bright and we’ll continue to do everything we can to help him fulfill allof his dreams."
At the time, other than voicing our opinions on social media (or cheering loudly for him when he was an honorary captain against App State), it didn’t feel like there was much more we, as fans, could do. However, now there is an option for UNC football fans to support Walker!
Chapel Hill Sportswear, located on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, announced on Thursday they will begin selling Tez Walker shirts on Friday, September 15th, to show their support of Walker. All proceeds from the shirt go directly to Walker. This is a fantastic gesture from Chapel Hill Sportswear, and all Tar Heel fans will be rushing to buy this on behalf of Walker!
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