Jacob Tamme Vows to Lead Kentucky Athletics Into the Future With Champions Blue, LLC’s Bold NIL Vision and Commitment

Jacob Tamme has always been more than just a football player. A proud University of Kentucky alumnus, a former All-SEC tight end, an NFL veteran, and now, an advocate and leader in the ever-evolving world of collegiate athletics. With the launch of Champions Blue, LLC, Tamme is stepping into a new role—one where he’s not catching touchdowns but instead catching momentum for Kentucky student-athletes in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era.

Champions Blue, LLC isn’t just another NIL collective. It’s a mission. It’s a statement. It’s a line in the sand, and Tamme is determined to ensure that the University of Kentucky is not left behind in the whirlwind of modern college sports. With more programs and conferences embracing the power of NIL collectives to recruit, retain, and support elite talent, Kentucky now has its own homegrown force—led by someone who knows what it means to wear the blue and white.

“It’s personal,” Tamme said during the official launch announcement of Champions Blue. “I’ve walked the path. I’ve played in front of these fans, worn this jersey, and lived this life. That’s why I believe in this project—because I know what Kentucky means, and I know what we can be.”

Tamme’s football résumé is impressive: a standout at Boyle County High School, a Kentucky legend under coach Rich Brooks, and an NFL mainstay with the Colts, Broncos, and Falcons. But even more notable is his steadfast commitment to Kentucky athletics after his playing days ended. Tamme has consistently used his platform to support the university and its athletes. With Champions Blue, he now has a vehicle that can materially impact the lives of the next generation of Wildcats.

The NCAA’s NIL policy shift in July 2021 fundamentally changed the college athletics landscape, allowing student-athletes to monetize their personal brands. However, the move also introduced complexities, disparities, and a need for structured support systems. Enter the era of NIL collectives—independently operated organizations that pool resources to help athletes maximize opportunities within the rules. Champions Blue is Kentucky’s answer to that challenge, built with an eye on sustainability, community engagement, and competitiveness.

“At the end of the day, this is about ensuring that Kentucky is positioned at the forefront of this new era in college sports,” Tamme explained. “We’re not here to play catch-up. We’re here to lead.”

Tamme is not working alone. Champions Blue brings together a board of directors composed of Kentucky business leaders, alumni, and passionate supporters. Their goal is clear: provide student-athletes with meaningful NIL opportunities that align with their values, support their development, and keep Kentucky competitive in the SEC and nationally.

In many ways, this collective is not just about writing checks. Tamme emphasized that Champions Blue will be rooted in long-term thinking. That includes athlete education, brand-building workshops, charitable collaborations, and structured support systems that prepare players for life beyond college. The goal is to ensure NIL opportunities are ethical, sustainable, and growth-oriented.

“Let’s be clear—this isn’t a pay-for-play model,” Tamme said firmly. “We are building a professional environment that allows these young men and women to learn, grow, and thrive while representing Kentucky. It’s about unlocking their potential, not exploiting it.”

The timing of Champions Blue’s launch is also strategic. With the college athletics world still adjusting to shifting transfer portal dynamics, conference realignment, and increased media attention on NIL deals, Kentucky’s athletic programs need every advantage to remain competitive. Whether it’s football, basketball, or Olympic sports, NIL is now a factor in recruiting and retention. Tamme wants to ensure Kentucky doesn’t just keep up—but sets the pace.

From current players to incoming recruits, the reaction to Champions Blue has been overwhelmingly positive. Several Kentucky student-athletes have already signaled their support on social media, expressing gratitude for the leadership being shown and excitement for what it could mean for their future. For players, Champions Blue represents more than money—it’s validation, security, and opportunity.

While the collective will eventually support athletes across various sports, Tamme has acknowledged that men’s basketball and football are initial priorities, given their revenue-generating status and impact on the broader brand of Kentucky athletics. But he stressed that Champions Blue is ultimately about equity and empowerment across the board.

“This is about every Wildcat,” Tamme said. “Whether you’re scoring touchdowns or running track, if you wear that Kentucky jersey, we want to support you. You matter.”

There’s also a heavy emphasis on community partnerships. Champions Blue has already begun working with local businesses, charities, and brands interested in aligning with Kentucky athletes. From endorsement deals to community outreach initiatives, the collective is seeking to create win-win situations where athletes gain financial and experiential growth while also making a tangible difference in the Commonwealth.

Fans, of course, play a central role. Champions Blue is designed with fan engagement in mind, offering tiers of membership and exclusive experiences—autographs, meet-and-greets, behind-the-scenes content—for supporters who want to be part of this new frontier. It’s a grassroots movement as much as it is a strategic initiative.

“This fanbase is the most passionate in the country,” Tamme said. “We’ve seen what Big Blue Nation can do. Now imagine if we harness that passion and aim it directly at supporting our student-athletes. That’s powerful.”

Tamme’s leadership adds a unique credibility to the project. His journey from small-town Kentucky to the NFL to this new executive role makes him relatable, trustworthy, and inspiring. He has the respect of former teammates, current players, coaches, fans, and university leadership. That combination is rare—and invaluable.

University officials have welcomed Champions Blue, though the collective operates independently. Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart, while not directly involved in day-to-day operations, has expressed appreciation for the alumni-driven approach and the potential benefits for the athletic department. Tamme has also made it clear that Champions Blue will operate transparently and within all applicable NCAA, SEC, and university guidelines.

Looking ahead, Champions Blue has ambitious goals. Beyond providing NIL opportunities, the organization hopes to become a model for other schools—proof that you can build a winning NIL collective that prioritizes integrity, community, and athlete empowerment. They’re already forming partnerships with NIL legal experts, marketing firms, and brand consultants to ensure best practices.

For Tamme, it’s all about legacy.

“People ask me why I’m doing this,” he said. “It’s because I care. I care about this university, about these athletes, and about this state. I want to look back in 10 years and know I helped push Kentucky forward. That I helped make sure we didn’t just survive this NIL era—we thrived in it.”

In a time of uncertainty, Jacob Tamme and Champions Blue offer clarity. In a world of change, they offer leadership. And in the ever-unfolding story of college sports, they represent a new chapter—one where Kentucky isn’t chasing the future, but helping define it.

The Wildcats are stepping into tomorrow with Champions Blue. And Jacob Tamme, as always, is leading the charge.