Chipotle Partners with Florida Gators to Fuel Student-Athletes
The partnership provides Florida’s student athletes a special, customized Chipotle card that grants them one free entrée per week for 15 weeks. In 2025, Chipotle debuted this program with The Ohio State University, and now the company is expanding its customized card offering to the Gators and fellow SEC school, the University of Georgia. In total, the program will extend Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) benefits to nearly 2,000 student-athletes across the three universities.
“Our restaurants near each of these universities are frequently filled with student athletes looking for a quick and nutritious meal that can help them thrive in the classroom and on the field,” said Chris Brandt, President, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. “By expanding our college card program to three universities this academic year, we’re democratizing NIL for over 2,000 student athletes and increasing their access to real food when they need it the most.”
Specifically in Gainesville, Chipotle has been a favorite dining spot for Gator student-athletes. Recent surveys revealed that 94% of Florida student-athletes consider Chipotle one of their top three restaurants, highlighting the strong connection between the brand and the Gator community.
“Partnering with Chipotle is thrilling for us, and we appreciate the brand’s commitment to include every student-athlete,” said Darren McPhail, General Manager of Gators Sports Properties. “We’re passionate about doing everything we can to set our athletes up for success, and we believe this collaboration with Chipotle helps us do just that.”
To celebrate the partnership, Chipotle has launched a new national ad featuring quarterback DJ Lagway alongside former basketball guard Walter Clayton Jr. The spot highlights the passing of the torch from one Gator legend to the next—Clayton Jr., who led Florida to a national championship last season, instills confidence in Lagway as he looks to lead the Gators to their next title.
The ad can be seen in its entirety via this link.
In addition to feeding student-athletes, the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation is investing in the University of Florida’s academic community. More than $100,000 in undergraduate research awards will be distributed to students conducting studies within UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, continuing Chipotle’s commitment to supporting the future of farming and sustainable food practices.
About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,800 restaurants as of June 30, 2025, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With over 130,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit CHIPOTLE.COM
Photo assets for the Florida x Chipotle partnership can be accessed here.
