Redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong reacts after dropping a pass in a game against the University of Arizona, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. The Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils 42-35. (Ben Moffat/The State Press)Athletes can sign autographs when in college. But per NCAA rules, they can't make any money from them.
For players with limited pro potential but who were stars in college, an autograph signing event is one of the few ways to capitalize on a limited marketability window. Even for players with an NFL future, a gap exists between their last game, the NFL draft, and when they will be getting paid on NFL contracts.
Former ASU wide receiver Jaelen Strong will be holding an autograph signing session on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Man Cave Sports in Paradise Valley Mall from 12-1:30 p.m.
In two seasons, Strong left a legacy as one of the best receivers in ASU history. He caught 157 passes for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns.
But what may not show up in his statistics is his knack of making incredibly difficult highlight-reel catches. ASU fans might remember the "Jael Mary" touchdown catch to defeat USC earlier in the season or any of his one-handed catches.
Strong declared early for the NFL draft and is a projected first-round pick, according to ESPN reporter/draft analyst Todd McShay and others.
The autograph signing will allow Strong to capitalize on his popularity at ASU, where he remains a prominent figure. Strong has attended men's basketball games in the past with teammates, and was there for ASU's win over Southern Utah in gymnastics Friday night.
“He hired an agent, and he’s done with his football career at ASU, and we want him to sign autographs, and his agent talked to him and he agreed," said the event's promoter, Jeff Thalblum. "That’s pretty much the way it goes all the time whether you’re right out of school."
It costs $20 for the autograph, plus $10 for an optional inscription such as "Jael Mary" or "Go ASU." The ticket comes with a free photo opportunity.
Thalblum said he thinks the session will sell out with the event having "about 60 tickets remaining" as of Sunday night.
For the most part, players already competing professionally are the subjects at these events. But Thalblum said former ASU quarterback Jake Plummer was his guest at three autograph signings after the Rose Bowl.
In terms of the player's compensation, Thalblum said in these signings, the player gets paid a fixed amount and then he tacks on "what I need to stay in business."
Call 623-587-9766 to purchase tickets or visit the website http://www.phoenixcardshows.com/.
Reach the reporter at jmjanss1@asu.edu or follow @jjanssen11 on Twitter
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