Former NCAA Pioneer Antwan Owens to Host NIL Education Event in Cocoa Set November 18
By Steve Wilson // September 25, 2026
Sixth 321Empowerment Event will be held at Eastern Florida State College, Cocoa Campus - Free and Open to All With an emphasis on Parents
Antwan Owens, widely recognized as the first NCAA student-athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, is bringing his expertise to Brevard County. Owens, who currently serves as the Director of NIL & Strategy at the University of Central Florida (UCF), will host an interactive educational seminar designed to help local families navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate sports. For more information on 321Empowerment, CLICK HERE.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Antwan Owens, widely recognized as the first NCAA student-athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, is bringing his expertise to Brevard County. Owens, who currently serves as the Director of NIL & Strategy at the University of Central Florida, will host an interactive educational seminar designed to help local families navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate sports.
The event will take place November 18, 2026, at Eastern Florida State College, Cocoa Campus, 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, Florida, from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The target audience is high school students, student-athletes, parents, and families, with an emphasis on parents.
The event, titled “NIL Education: Learn the NIL Game Before the Next Level,” aims to demystify how NIL deals work, how high school athletes can build their personal brands, and how families can prepare for collegiate recruitment.
Presented by 321Empowerment, Eastern Florida State College, and A3 NIL, this workshop provides an essential roadmap for young athletes. The transition to college athletics has fundamentally changed since the NCAA instituted its landmark NIL policy change. Navigating compliance, understanding market value, and managing business opportunities are now critical skills for any aspiring recruit.
During the hour-long session, Owens will pull from his unique double-perspective—both as a trailblazing athlete who made history with his own contracts and as a current major-university administrator managing institutional strategy.
Families will walk away with actionable advice on how to legally secure opportunities, protect their eligibility, and successfully market themselves to brands. Admission is open to the public. Local high school sports teams, coaches, and parents are highly encouraged to attend.
For more information on 321Empowerment, CLICK HERE.
This article is sponsored by Erdman Automotive and Craig Technologies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.
Wilson is especially proud of chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock, that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner with the Friday Night Locker Room for the past 27 years, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events significant to residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
