FORT COLLINS — Tune into local sports talk radio the next time you drive up the Front Range and you might hear a familiar voice over the airwaves.
David Roddy is best known for uncommon versatility on the basketball court for Colorado State with a rare blend of size, strength and skill. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound junior forward is one of 25 names on the midseason watch list for the Wooden Award — given annually to the most outstanding player in the college game.
Now he’s leveraging that status and buzz surrounding the CSU program into a dream endorsement deal for any hungry college student.
“Like many athletes, coaches, and listeners, I love Krazy Karl’s Pizza in Fort Collins and Loveland,” Roddy tells radio listeners during a 30-second ad spot on KFKA 103.1 FM/1310 AM. “Krazy Karl’s is undefeated when it comes to pizza. It’s also one of the best spots to watch college basketball. Krazy Karl’s Pizza, a proud supporter of all things Rams and the David Roddy Show.”
Welcome to the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.
The NCAA’s decision to change rules against profiting from name, image and likeness has created a brand new economy for student athletes. Top players from the nation’s most prestigious athletic programs, such as Alabama quarterback Bryce Jones, have reportedly signed six-figure contracts.
You won’t find million-dollar men or women on rosters at CU or CSU. But Roddy is quickly establishing himself as the most marketable college athlete in Colorado to begin the NIL era. His weekly radio show is just the beginning.
“Having Zoom calls with the CEOs of companies is pretty crazy at 20 years old,” Roddy said. “Trying to take advantage of every opportunity in front of me is very important in this NIL sphere.”
It started back on July 1 when Roddy announced that he was open for business. The Minneapolis native posted a message on his Twitter account (@droddy22) that read: “Any local or any companies at all that want to use my social media as a platform to promote, do commercials, etc to brand themselves, my DMs are open for business. Message me if interested.”
Brady Hull, station manager and host at KFKA radio, didn’t hesitate to join the NIL movement. His message to Roddy: I want to do more than just a random interview with you on occasion.
Hull proposed that Roddy join him each Wednesday afternoon for an hour-long segment called the “David Roddy Show.” Its format would mirror a traditional coach’s show with roundtable-style discussions and a Q&A portion with listeners. Krazy Karl’s Pizza, with locations in Fort Collins and Loveland, agreed to be the title sponsor.
“It helps a little bit financially. There are monthly payments,” Roddy said. “I can make certain appearances as well. Maybe some free pizza along the way. But I haven’t used that card yet.”
Roddy admits he needed some radio training when the show launched in November. But his on-air confidence improved with each victory of an 11-0 start to the Rams season.
“Not fumbling my words. That’s the biggest thing, really. But it’s pretty smooth,” Roddy said. “I try to be as genuine as possible and energetic as much as I can on the radio. Share as much insight as I can without breaking any rules.”
Podcast downloads of the David Roddy Show have nearly doubled since making its on-air debut.
“He didn’t really express that he wants to be in media or have a radio career. But he could now,” Hull said. “He’s one of the easiest players to talk to. He’s so open. He rolls with the punches on everything. … It’s been great for the station. I tell players all the time: ‘You’re marketing for us, too.’”
Roddy entered the weekend leading CSU in scoring (19.8), rebounding (7.6) and total blocks (17) — evidence that new business interests aren’t harming his play. He’s also encouraged teammates to seek out their own NIL opportunities. Roddy is currently the lone college athlete in the state with his own weekly radio show.
The experience is worth more than just a paycheck.
“NIL definitely helps with us trying to get jobs later in life. Learning how to market ourselves as a basketball player and a human being,” Roddy said. “It’s great to give insight into the men’s basketball team whether it’s right before the game or after the game. To let our fans know about what goes on beyond the court.”
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