Why partner with Run Peruna Run? Take NIL for SMU to next level

While Run Peruna Run is a third-party NIL initiative, SMU Athletics is showing support for founder Billy Embody as he looks to support Mustang student-athletes. In a recent profile on SMUMustangs.com, Embody said it makes a ton of sense for Run Peruna Run to help fans while helping NIL efforts for SMU.

"When I looked at SMU, I saw a school that has incredible support — monetarily and from a passion perspective — across the entire athletic department to make sure the Mustangs are among the best programs in the country," Embody said. "At the same time, you need a third party who can arrange deals with athletes and give fans inside access, an inside scoop, that no media company — and even the school, to an extent — can give now."

Run Peruna Run was established to maximize NIL opportunities while also providing curated experiences for members. Run Peruna Run is your opportunity to impact student-athletes, get behind-the-scenes content, and ensure the future success of SMU Athletics in this unpredictable college athletics landscape.

Whether it's outreach to fans after the spring game or generating support from Dallas, Run Peruna Run can help SMU in different ways. It all boils down to how can Embody and his team generate NIL leads for student-athletes.

"The years of experience in covering SMU sports and the ever-changing world of recruiting that we've seen, both from NIL and the transfer portal, give us a pretty good feel for what the environment is like," Embody said. "That allows us to be pretty nimble when things change or when those new trends start to emerge. There are things that work for SMU fans or for SMU athletes that won't necessarily work for other schools. We're unique in our own ways because of our history, because of where we are in Dallas. Between having the support of the fan base that I've been able to see up close and personal and also all the support in Dallas, I think we're the perfect complement to what every SMU fan is looking for as a third-party option to support SMU athletics."

Working with former SMU offensive lineman Hayden Howerton, who played in 59 career games, Run Peruna Run can tap into the former players for support as well. Creating a tighter bond between fans and players is a huge goal for Run Peruna Run.

"The thing that excites me about Run Peruna Run is that it allows fans to connect and be closer to the student athletes," Howerton said. "As a former student athlete of SMU, I felt the love and support from the city, and I'm excited to raise the bar for our players' and fans' experience."

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee supports Run Peruna Run, touting how it can help the Mustangs achieve more on the field. That's Embody's goal as well.

"After every touchdown, you hear the words 'run, Peruna, run' come over to the PA," Embody said. "We want to be a part of the engine that powers that announcement as often as possible in Ford Stadium."

With more NIL commitments for SMU, Run Peruna Run hopes to play a part in keeping Peruna running. Join the run today and support NIL efforts with our membership levels. Email info@runperunarun.com to learn more and set up a call about membership.

Want to learn more or speak with a team member about how you can make an impact for SMU Athletics with your business? Contact us at partnerships@runperunarun.com.