“I’M STAYING FOREVER!” — Jameesia Ford Announces Permanent Contract Deal with South Carolina Till Retirement After Groundbreaking Agreement
Columbia, SC — April 17, 2025
In an announcement that sent shockwaves through the track and field community and lit up social media, sprinting sensation Jameesia Ford declared she is staying with the University of South Carolina on a permanent contract — a groundbreaking agreement set to keep her connected with the Gamecocks until retirement.
At just 19, Ford has already etched her name into collegiate track and field history with blazing performances in the 200m and 400m events. Now, in a move never before seen in NCAA athletics, she has inked a lifetime deal that will keep her tied to South Carolina not only as an athlete but also as an ambassador, mentor, and future leader.
“I’m staying forever,” Ford announced in an emotional press conference at the Carolina Indoor Track Facility. “This program isn’t just where I compete — it’s where I’ve grown, where I’ve found my purpose, and where I want to build something lasting. This is home.”
A Deal Like No Other
The contract, finalized this week, redefines what’s possible in the world of college sports. It reportedly includes:
- Full NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights for the duration of her career
- Post-graduation opportunities including coaching, administrative leadership, and mentorship roles
- Educational support for postgraduate studies
- A long-term ambassadorship role representing South Carolina Athletics worldwide
- Equity stakes in South Carolina’s expanding athletic media network
While terms were not disclosed in full, insiders close to the deal describe it as a “hybrid legacy contract” — a mix of NIL earnings, university partnership, and lifetime legacy planning.
“This is a transformative moment,” said South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “We’re not just investing in an athlete. We’re investing in a leader, a role model, and a generational talent. Jameesia Ford is the future of South Carolina, and we’re proud to walk with her every step of the way.”
Rise of a Star
Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Jameesia Ford arrived in Columbia with high expectations — and she exceeded every one of them. From the moment she stepped on the track in garnet and black, her blistering speed and fierce competitive spirit stood out.
In her freshman year, Ford broke the school record in the indoor 400m and clocked one of the top collegiate times in the world. Her performances have already drawn comparisons to legends like Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards-Ross.
But beyond the stopwatch, it’s her leadership, humility, and community engagement that have elevated her to icon status.
“She’s more than just a sprinter,” said Coach Tim Hall. “She’s a cornerstone of our program, a natural-born leader, and someone who inspires everyone around her.”
A New Blueprint for College Athletics?
Ford’s lifetime contract is more than a personal milestone — it could be the blueprint for a new era in college sports. With the recent evolution of NIL rules and the growing power of athletes to shape their own brands, this agreement represents a bold vision for athlete empowerment.
South Carolina has been at the forefront of supporting its athletes beyond competition, and Ford’s deal may open doors for similar long-term partnerships between schools and standout student-athletes.
“This changes everything,” said sports marketing expert Dr. Alicia Raymond of the University of Florida. “It’s about legacy now — about how institutions and athletes can co-create a future that extends far beyond eligibility.”
What’s Next for Ford?
While the ink on her historic contract is still drying, Ford remains laser-focused on the track. With the NCAA Outdoor Championships on the horizon and Olympic Trials looming in the summer, she’s not slowing down.
“My goals are bigger than medals,” she said. “I want to be the best version of myself — on the track, in the classroom, and in the world.”
Her fans — and the entire South Carolina community — wouldn’t want it any other way.
In a sporting world defined by fleeting moments, Jameesia Ford’s decision to plant her flag in Columbia for life is a rare and powerful declaration.
And if she has her way, the garnet and black will be the only colors she ever runs for.
