Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame running back, is carving out a unique path, blending athleticism with artistic vision to create “Jeremonstar,” a comic book series embodying gridiron imagination. Set for release in late September 2025, this project showcases Love’s creative side and represents an innovative approach to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, setting a precedent for athletes seeking to build lasting legacies beyond the field.
The Genesis of Jeremonstar
The inspiration for “Jeremonstar” sparked during Love’s junior year of high school. His father, Jason Love, an Army veteran with a lifelong passion for comic books, proposed a collaborative project. This initial brainstorming evolved into a deeply personal narrative, reflecting Jeremiyah’s own experiences and challenges. Instead of opting for purely fantastical elements, Love chose to ground the story in his reality as a dedicated student-athlete.
From Athlete to Author
Jeremiyah Love, celebrated for his speed and resilience on the football field, translates these qualities into his superhero protagonist. According to the official Jeremonstar website, the comic intertwines the demanding discipline required of a Division I athlete at Notre Dame with the inspirational hero journeys common in anime, a genre Love has enjoyed since childhood. To bring his vision to life, Love partnered with his father and enlisted Chris Walker, a creative director with experience at both Marvel and DC Comics, to refine the narrative. An illustrator based in Florida provides the artwork for the comic.
More Than Just Entertainment
Love’s ambitions for “Jeremonstar” extend beyond simple entertainment. He envisions the series as a platform to explore themes of discipline, identity, faith, and servant leadership. Growing up in St. Louis, Love often felt like an outsider and found solace in anime and comics, where characters could overcome adversity and achieve greatness. As reported by Urban Magazine, Love aims to connect with young fans, particularly young Black fans, by offering a hero who reflects their culture, values, and dreams, thereby increasing representation within the anime genre.
Expanding Representation
The core message of Jeremonstar is to provide relatable characters for fans who may feel underrepresented in mainstream media. Love’s own experiences as a young Black man navigating the pressures of athletics and academics inform the narrative, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with his target audience. The series aims to show that anyone, regardless of their background, can become a hero.
Redefining NIL Opportunities
“Jeremonstar” also pushes the boundaries of NIL deals by focusing on original intellectual property (IP) creation rather than short-term endorsements. Love sees this project as a way to build a lasting legacy, where he functions as a creator and co-owner. According to BVM Sports, this approach sets a new standard for how athletes can leverage their NIL to create sustainable and meaningful ventures.
A Blueprint for Athletes
Love’s venture into comic book creation serves as a model for other athletes seeking to capitalize on their NIL rights. By creating and owning his own IP, Love is building long-term value and establishing a brand that extends beyond his athletic career. This innovative approach empowers athletes to become entrepreneurs and content creators, fostering greater financial independence and creative control.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of “Jeremonstar” is already evident. Love’s coaches and teammates at Notre Dame recognize him as more than just an athlete, appreciating his creativity and depth. His appearance on ESPN’s First Take in July 2025 generated significant buzz, highlighting the innovative nature of his project, according to Yahoo Sports. The attention garnered from this appearance underscores the broad appeal of Love’s story and the potential for “Jeremonstar” to reach a wide audience. The early buzz surrounding “Jeremonstar” suggests that it is poised to make a significant impact on both the sports and entertainment worlds.
Anticipation Builds
As the comic prepares for its late September release, Jeremiyah Love is solidifying his position not only as a top college football player but also as a role model who inspires others through personal expression and authentic storytelling, both on and off the field. The dual nature of his identity—athlete and artist—resonates with fans who admire his dedication and vision. The upcoming release of “Jeremonstar” marks a significant milestone in Love’s journey, solidifying his role as a multifaceted talent with a bright future.
Conclusion
Jeremiyah Love’s “Jeremonstar” represents a powerful fusion of sports and storytelling, driven by personal experiences and a desire to inspire. By creating original IP through his NIL rights, Love is not only building a legacy for himself but also paving the way for other athletes to explore their creative passions. The anticipation surrounding the comic’s release highlights its potential to resonate with a broad audience, solidifying Love’s position as a role model both on and off the field.
