Diego Pavia’s Seven-Figure College Football Income Lands Him in Hot Water

Diego Pavia’s seven-figure college football income became fodder for online mockery after he dodged questions about his exact earnings Tuesday.

Diego Pavia walked into a buzzsaw on Thursday when Johnny Manziel asked the money question on his show. Did the former Vanderbilt quarterback bank more than $2 million in NIL deals this season? Pavia laughed and said he couldn’t answer. That dodge told fans everything.

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Reports peg his NIL value north of seven figures through partnerships with Tru Green, Raising Cane’s, AutoPro, and Blanco Clothing. But when you’re staring down Senior Bowl week at 5-foot-9 7/8 and trying to convince NFL scouts you belong, flashing cash plays like a fumble at the goal line.

Fans jumped on the clip once it spread across social media.

One immediately went for the low-hanging fruit. “Maybe he’ll get some leg extensions with that money…🤣”

Another wasn’t buying the coy act. “Everyone lies about how much they make”

Someone charted his trajectory north. “Better save that $ cause you’ll be in the cfl in 3 years”

One user delivered the pun with precision. “He knows college grifting is his ceiling. Pun intended”

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Another gave financial advice. “Better save up, he ain’t making much in the NFL”

This fan flagged the tax problem. “Telling the IRS what you made on documented camera then putting it on social media is wild lol”

Someone noticed the accessories. “All that money and still wearing wired headphones..🧐”

And this closer packed the skepticism into one shot. “Spoken like a 5’9 college QB….. good luck in your career…I hope you have a college degree that will help you land a great job.”
Fan comments on Diego Pavia’s earning (Credits: Instagram/glorydazepod)
The pile-on exposed something deeper than jealousy over NIL money. Nobody thinks the checks keep coming once college ends.

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Diego Pavia (Photo via Twitter)
Pavia clocked in at 198 pounds during Senior Bowl measurements, which would shatter the record for lightest drafted quarterback if someone calls his name in April. CBS Sports left him off their board of draftable signal callers entirely.

His final Vanderbilt campaign produced 3,539 yards through the air with 29 scores. He carried it 862 yards himself and punched in 10 rushing touchdowns. That’s 39 total trips to the end zone while leading the Commodores to 10 wins, a program first. He claimed SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors after accounting for more than 70% of Vanderbilt’s total yardage.

Pavia fought for and won a sixth season through legal channels, then maxed out on NIL opportunities before heading to Alabama. Clark Lea told reporters after their bowl game that he’s betting on Pavia finding a roster spot. Saturday’s showcase in Mobile matters, but the money conversation hijacked his preparation storyline heading into game week.