Tyler Atkinson became a pioneer over the summer when he became one of seven players to land an NIL deal with sports mega-brand Adidas.

Of the group, Atkinson -- the No. 9 overall prospect in the Rivals250 for 2026 -- was the lone defensive player.

Now, the five-star linebacker is putting his sponsorship to good use.

On Wednesday, Atkinson distributed Adidas cleats and gear to his teammates at Loganville (Ga.) Grayson High School. The gesture was heightened as Grayson had a football game on Monday after Hurricane Helene passed through Georgia.

Grayson will return to the field on a short week for a Friday night game -- and will do so with new gear from Adidas.

"It's a blessing to have them and to be one of seven athletes, be one of these seven athletes in the entire country to be signed with Adidas," Atkinson told Rivals of his unique partnership with the clothing brand.

"I'm the only defensive player, so it's good. It's a blessing."

Atkinson is the No. 1-ranked linebacker in the Rivals250 and is being recruited by some of the nation's top defensive-minded coaches. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defender has made game-day visits to catch Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama in action. Ohio State, Texas, Miami and Florida State are other schools entrenched in Atkinson's recruitment midway through his junior year.