Richie Saunders’ NIL Deal: A Family Legacy and a Sweet 16 Dream
In the world of college basketball, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce, it’s not just the players’ skills on the court that capture our attention. Sometimes, it’s the stories behind the players that truly resonate. Enter Richie Saunders, a forward for the BYU Cougars, whose latest NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunity is a delightful nod to his family’s unique history.
Let’s take a trip back to the 1950s, a time when innovation was the name of the game in the frozen foods industry. It was during this era that Saunders’ great-grandfather, Francis Nephi Grigg, along with his brother, co-founded the now-famous frozen foods company, Ore-Ida. Among their many contributions to the culinary world, one stands out: the creation of Tater Tots, a product that has become synonymous with Ore-Ida.
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in the midst of March Madness, where Saunders has been making waves on the court. His standout performance, scoring 25 points against the Wisconsin Badgers in the round of 32, caught the attention of the very company his great-grandfather helped establish. In a move that beautifully ties together family legacy and modern-day sports, Ore-Ida has partnered with Saunders, rebranding itself as Ore-Richie for as long as Saunders and the BYU Cougars remain in the NCAA tournament.
We are changing our name for the first time EVER. You can address us as Ore-Richie for as long as the Tot King is in the tournament. Let’s cook 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vZoAY9O1gG
— Ore-Richie (@OreIdaPotatoes) March 26, 2025
But that’s not all. The company has also promised to release a limited edition “Richie’s Tater Shots” bag if the Cougars can pull off four more victories and clinch the national title. It’s a tantalizing prospect for both fans of the team and lovers of Tater Tots alike.
Heir Richie’s got it in the bag! If his team wins the tourney, we’ll drop this limited edition bag of Tater Shots. Keep cooking king! pic.twitter.com/fI4HMZTDhJ
— Ore-Richie (@OreIdaPotatoes) March 26, 2025
Ore-Ida’s support for Saunders and the BYU team doesn’t stop there. The company has previously pledged to give away free Tater Tots following each BYU NCAA tournament victory. This promise was celebrated by Saunders’ teammates, who broke into a “tater tots” chant after their win over VCU in the tournament’s first round.
- Richie Saunders’ great-grandfather co-founded Ore-Ida.
- Ore-Ida is temporarily rebranding as Ore-Richie.
- A limited edition “Richie’s Tater Shots” will be released if BYU wins the national title.
- Ore-Ida has promised free Tater Tots after each BYU victory.
As the Cougars prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet 16 at 7:09 p.m. ET on Thursday night, the excitement is palpable. Not only is there the thrill of advancing in the tournament, but there’s also the potential for a new Tater Tots product to hit the shelves, all thanks to the impressive play of “Heir Richie.”
In a world where college athletes are increasingly able to capitalize on their personal brands, Richie Saunders’ story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of family legacy and the unique ways it can intersect with modern sports. As we watch the Cougars continue their journey in the NCAA tournament, we can’t help but root for Saunders, not just for his skills on the court, but for the delightful story that accompanies his every move.
Originally Written by: J.J. Post
