“Cowboy Colt” loves that chicken …
Colton Joseph’s ascension to starting quarterback for Old Dominion has scored the redshirt sophomore a deal with Popeyes to promote the national chain’s new chicken wings.
Joseph is one of 10 college football players who signed a name, image and likeness deal with Popeyes for the “Better Wings, Better Mayfield” campaign in partnership with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“That pursuit of ‘better’ isn’t stopping with just the pros,” according to a release on behalf of the chain.
“Popeyes is setting out to celebrate college football athletes who embody the pursuit of ‘better’ this football season through NIL partnerships highlighted by Colton Joseph. The roster of 10 athletes represents players who rose from back-ups in 2024 to starters in 2025 through relentless hustle and drive.”
Joseph, known to teammates as “Cowboy Colt,” was the backup quarterback last season behind Grant Wilson before Wilson suffered a wrist injury. Joseph, a Newport Beach, California, native, started eight games, passing for 1,627 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions while also rushing for 647 yards and 11 TDs.
Joseph was named the starter leading up to this season’s opener at Indiana on Aug. 30 after a preseason battle with redshirt freshman Quinn Henicle. Wilson transferred to Indiana after last season.
After two games this season, Joseph leads Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in rushing with 228 yards with three touchdowns and has thrown for 353 yards with three scores and three interceptions.
Joseph’s deal with Popeyes is a rarity in that it was announced publicly.
Joseph posted photos on his Instagram account Tuesday, wearing a “Love that chicken …” shirt and encouraging his followers to use his coupon code for a deal on wings at Popeyes.
Other players signed in the promotion include Clemson running back David Eziomume, Michigan wide receiver Frederick Moore, LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., Boise State running back Sire Gaines and Florida State defensive back Earl Little Jr.
The promotion includes a contest pitting the 10 players: The player with the most code redemptions wins a “fully catered tailgate celebration for their fans during rivalry week, bringing Better Wings straight to campus,” according to the release.
