Energy drink brand G.O.A.T. Fuel has drafted a new star investor with the addition of New York Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, joining a roster of other NFL headliners now working with the brand co-founded by Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice.
The presence of Rice, a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers, and now part of a founding team at G.O.A.T. Fuel that includes his daughter Jaqui Rice Gold (CEO) and Trevion Gold (Chief Brand Officer), has helped attract pro football players to his beverage venture, including, as of this month, the Jets’ Breece Hall, Will Anderson, Jr. of the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold. The company has also been backed by former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. and entrepreneur Marc Lore, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I am honored to join the G.O.A.T. Fuel family as an investor,” said Thibodeaux. “Jerry’s incredible legacy and Jaqui’s sharp entrepreneurial mind have shaped the success of their business and were standout qualities that inspired me to invest in the brand.”
Last year, it closed a $5 million seed funding round co-led by venture firms Stage 1 Fund and Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners.
Rice called Thibodeaux’s participation “a continuation of our brand’s commitment to offering investment opportunities to young athletes.”
“Kayvon exhibits a desire to be the best both on and off the field which aligns with our core values here at G.O.A.T. Fuel and is going to help us reach new heights along with our NFL brand ambassadors,” Rice said.
Beyond individual players, the brand has also found traction in team sports. After being named as the first-ever official energy drink of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, G.O.A.T. Fuel was revealed as the official energy drink for the WBNA’s Chicago Sky in June. The brand’s move to trademark “sports energy” last year is part of that strategy.
The natural energy drink, powered by cordyceps mushrooms, launched online in 2020 and has since expanded into retail through partnerships with GNC, Target and other chains.