K-State players say ‘it’s a dream come true’ to be in new college football video game

When Brendan Mott found out that EA Sports was bringing back its college football video game it took him all of about three seconds to decide that he wanted to be featured in the popular title.

“I would have done it for nothing,” Mott said, “and I would have paid for the game.”

Not surprisingly, the Kansas State senior defensive end practically fainted when he learned that EA Sports was offering any and all FBS players $600 plus a free copy of the game in exchange for allowing the software company to use their likenesses on virtual football fields.

No way he was passing on that deal.

“I opted in immediately,” Mott said. “I think as a kid that is selfishly every young boy’s dream, wanting to be in that video game. I think it’s a cool opportunity for the players to experience that. I’m really excited for it.”

He is hardly alone. EA Sports has reported that it has already signed up more than 10,000 active college football players for the game, giving it access to nearly 90% of rosters across the country.

There won’t be many hold outs at K-State. Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson has already announced that gamers will be able to play as him when they select the Wildcats for dynasty mode or a quick match with friends. And all four K-State players who spoke with media at the beginning of spring practice this week said they have already opted in or are in the process of doing so.

EA Sports hasn’t sold a college football game in more than a decade. But now that NIL deals have become commonplace in college athletics the company is ready to reboot the franchise with the exact same names, numbers and physical attributes that you will find attached to players in real life.

Some may think $600 is not enough compensation for the biggest stars in college football. But very few seem to be complaining at the moment.

“I used to play that game as a little kid,” K-State offensive lineman Hadley Panzer said. “I played it on the Wii and I had the 2008 version. I played it every weekend. So it’s kind of cool to know that now maybe I will see myself on there.”

K-State wide receiver Jadon Jackson can’t wait to get his hands on a copy.

“Who wouldn’t want to see themselves in a video game?” Jackson said. “It’s a really fun and cool experience that I know we’re all going to really enjoy.”

Marquis Sigle, a defensive back for the Wildcats, only has one request from EA Sports. He hopes the video game gets delivered on an off day because everyone on the roster is going to want to play the moment it arrives in the summer.

“It’s a dream come true because you always wanted to be in the game,” Sigle said. “When they stopped making it in 2014 you didn’t know if you were every going to play on that stage. But now I’m able to be in the game. My brothers have been hyping it up ever since the news came out.”