The partnership will see Johnson become the "face" of Next Level Fitness.

Defensive end De’Myrion Johnson has received several accolades in his playing career. With several All-District, Best of the Teche, and All-State honors to his name, in addition to a 2021 Class 4A state title, Johnson was set to enter LSU as one of the Teche Area’s most decorated football players.

Now, he’ll enter with Next Level Fitness’ first Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) partnership deals too.

“I’m grateful knowing that I’m able to do it in my own town and show somebody else that it’s possible,” said Johnson. “I want to show people that you can go from struggle to success as long as you stay patient and put in the work.”

The partnership is valued at up to $30,000, with Johnson becoming the face of Next Level 24 Fitness as well as hosting events and selling merchandise on the gym’s website.

The partnership was something that had been in the works for a while according to Next Level 24 Fitness owner Garrick Spain, who had a successful football career of his own with the Nichol’s Colonels and New Orleans Saints.

“We were just waiting for the perfect opportunity,” Spain explained. “We feel like, now that we’re established, this is the perfect time to do it. After listening to (Johnson’s) story and learning everything that he’s gone through to get to the level that he’s at now, it was important for us to reward that.”

Spain said that the choice to sign Johnson was an easy one, with Johnson’s personal story mirroring many of the experiences that Spain had as a child.

“He’s a warrior. He survived death, you can’t have a greater story than that,” said Spain. “He blessed me by just sharing his story, his speech on signing day almost brought me to tears just hearing it. I felt such a connection to him throughout this whole process, you just know that he was chosen to be great. Making him the face of Next Level was obvious. This new generation is all about making something of themselves and they always have a story.”

Following Westgate’s 2021 Class 4A state championship, Spain opened up his gym for a year to all of the Tigers players to train. While the move was a way for Spain to get his name out in the athletic community, it was more about giving back to those less fortunate. For Spain, that kind of altruism comes naturally.

“I was always raised to think that, no matter how big you are, you have to remember where you came from,” he said. “I was brought up to give back, because there’s no value in being the only one at the top. I want to bring people with me. Giving back is a natural thing for me.”

Johnson benefitted from his access to the gym, quickly evolving into one of the top defensive ends in the country in his senior season. Despite attention from several top programs, Johnson chose to remain a Tiger and sign with LSU in December.

Johnson graduated early from Westgate, choosing to get an early start on his college career. Training with Spain allowed him to stay in shape and continue to improve before making the jump to collegiate athletics.

“I’ve been working out here for a while,” Johnson said. “I’ve been in here everyday working out before I go to college, just working on my explosiveness and my power, doing everything I can to get ready.”

When asked what sets Next Level apart from the other gyms in the area, Johnson said it was the speed training and Spain’s experience as a top-level athlete.

“If you want to develop, come here. If you want to get the best personal work, come here,” he said. “Garrick can work on anything you need help with, especially your speed and explosiveness.”

In addition to the financial benefits of a NIL deal, Johnson will also be able to lean on Spain’s own experiences as an athlete and business owner.

“It’s good to have somebody to talk to and look up to,” Johnson said. “Sometimes you need a little bit of extra motivation or to lift you up.”

Spain also brings years of marketing experience to the table, something that will prove to be invaluable in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

“I’m going to show him how to properly handle his financial situation and market himself,” Spain said. “I’ll always be in his corner, all he has to do is say the word and I’ll be right there with him.”