From ACL Injury to Protecting Athletes' Brands Through NIL In Motion | Ep. 32 Chris D'Avanzo:

From ACL Injury to Protecting Athletes' Brands: Chris D'Avanzo's Journey from Basketball Court to Trademark LawChris D'Avanzo was a basketball player until an ACL injury changed his trajectory. That injury led him to coaching — first high school basketball, then Duke University Summer Basketball Camp. His coaching experience inspired him to pursue law school, where he continued his connection to athletics as student manager for Hofstra Men's Basketball.Today, Chris is a trademark attorney and founder of NIL In Motion, where he combines his dual passions — trademark law and coaching basketball — to help athletes build, protect, and leverage their personal brands. His athlete-first approach sets him apart in a legal landscape where most attorneys don't understand the athlete experience.Chris works with athletes at every level, from high school competitors to Division I athletes, providing services that include NIL contract review, LLC formation, trademark filing, brand strategy consulting, and professional networking guidance. Through NIL In Motion's social media presence, he shares NIL and trademark education to empower athletes and families to navigate the complex landscape with confidence.In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Chris shares:What led him from an ACL injury to protecting athletes legallyThe biggest mistakes athletes make with NIL dealsWhy athletes need trademarks and LLCs (and when to get them)What to look for in NIL contracts before signingHow his coaching background informs his legal workBrand protection strategies for high school and college athletesWhat parents and coaches need to know about navigating NIL safelyWhether you're an athlete building your brand, a parent protecting your child's future, or a coach helping athletes make smart decisions, Chris's insights combine legal expertise with genuine understanding of the athlete journey.This isn't just about contracts and trademarks — it's about building opportunities that last beyond sports.This isn't motivation. This is a movement.Connect with Chris: NIL In Motion (social media)Support the showCONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: [email protected] RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallengeSUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 [email protected] THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.New episodes drop every Monday.Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.