Stanford defensive captain Collin Wright decided not to spend his NIL money, instead turning to the stock market as he leaned on his education to protect his finances
16:41 ET, 27 Feb 2026
Collin Wright is a defensive back trying to raise his profile in the Combine on Friday
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Collin Wright is a defensive back trying to raise his profile in the Combine on Friday(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the altered landscape of college football with the rise of NIL, Collin Wright remained vigilant.
Back in 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that non-scholarship earned income could be allowed across every division of college sports based on their name, image, and likeness. However, it has proved to be divisive; major programs can essentially pay for the best high school talent.
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While many players have made millions and splashed the cash in the five years since the NCAA changed the game, Wright has remained calm. He has channeled his background at Stanford and Manvel, Texas, to go for a different route.
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Wright decided to invest every penny of his NIL money in stocks. When asked why he decided not to splash, Wright exclusively told Mirror U.S. Sports: “Just being able to try to set myself up financially for as long as I can. I come from a very educated high school. Me and my parents have always taught me how to save and not spend as much as I can, obviously.
“And I’m a broke college kid at Stanford. There’s not much I need. They give us everything. I don’t need to spend my money on things that I don’t really need in my life, so it was just a way to get ahead and secure my future.”
When asked what the first thing he might buy with his rookie contract once his NFL future is secured, Wright kept it cool again. “Probably some real estate back in Texas somewhere. If I ever need to get anything or do anything back home, I’ll be able to do it back in Texas.”
On the field, the safety was Stanford’s defensive captain in 2025, recording 33 tackles - including 25 solo tackles, with one tackle-for-loss — alongside four pass break-ups and an interception. Wright knows which aspect will help him take the next step in the NFL.
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Collin Wright enjoyed a solid 2025 with Stanford, capping off his four years as a Cardinal
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Wright enjoyed a solid 2025 with Stanford, capping off his four years as a Cardinal(Image: Getty Images)
“I think just my mental IQ,” Wright declared. “There’s so many tells of offenses I’ve learned over the years, and the same holds true in the NFL: where the receivers are lined up, where the quarterback is looking, what he’s doing pre-snap - all those small things show that I have a fast process ability right before they snap the ball.
“All of those things will help me be successful and make plays for as long as I want.”
Wright even offered the type of player he hopes to replicate in the NFL. The Stanford product picked out Minnesota Vikings defensive back Byron Murphy, highlighting his versatility as a key aspect that he’d like to replicate.
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“I enjoy watching Byron Murphy,” Wright declared.
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“I love Byron Murphy. He’s very versatile, and I think that speaks a lot to his team and their defense. I like to think I have a lot of those same traits.
“I’m very interchangeable in the secondary - corner, nickel, safety. I’m versatile enough to do anything. I love Byron Murphy’s game and want to replicate the best things he does.”