Athlete from SWFL supports local company now that college athletes can be paid Published: July 9, 2021 4:35 PM EDT Updated: July 9, 2021 7:12 PM EDT Recommended Now that college athletes can be paid for their name, image and likeness, many are choosing to cash in. That includes a student-athlete originally from Southwest Florida who has decided to support a local company and get paid before hitting the field this fall. The landmark law allowing athletes to make money is changing the landscape of college sports. With cameras flashing and the stroke of a pen, Peter Simmons III’s dreams came true. He’ll be playing football at Michigan.