Montana’s Eli Gillman Talks Loyalty, NIL, and Big Goals

Meet the Griz is a series that tells the stories of Montana Grizzlies athletes, coaches, and contributors.

Meet the Griz: Star Running Back Eli Gillman

Former Eastern Washington Eagle turned Montana Grizzly Michael Wortham said on The Daily Drive with Ace Sauerwein a couple of weeks ago, "A message to the Griz fans is 'Be Prepared.' We coming for it all."

Eli Gillman echoed that sentiment this week on The Daily Drive.

"It's very tough," Gillman said on a Coach Hauck-run fall camp. "We train hard. We're known for getting coached hard. That's why we get the results we do. We train hard all year long with breaks here and there in the summer, but I mean, it's like, it's 10 out of 10. We're getting after it, we're all giving effort, and that's why we're a winning team."

Gillman in 2024's playoff game VS Tennessee Tech. Credit: University of Montana Athletics

Gillman receives preseason honors

National and local media all recognize Gillman's potential. Headed into 2025, Gillman finds himself on the Walter Peyton Award Watch List, the Shrine Bowl 1,000 List, STATS All-American 3rd Team, and Preseason All-Big Sky teams.

To Gillman, however, that's just extra noise.

"I've never been a big fan of preseason accolades," began Gillman. "At the end of the day, they don't really mean anything."

"It's cool, I guess people recognize what's been going on, but again, it doesn't really mean anything if you don't perform."

Gillman carries defenders against the Butler Bulldogs. Credit: Montana Athletics

Eli Gillman's NIL deals

Gillman has capitalized on NIL deals during his time at UM. Earlier this summer, Gillman "hosted" a summer kickoff party at Bretz RV & Marine. Later, he rode on a helicopter with the Montana National Guard as part of a deal.

"I feel like at first it's definitely strange," Gillman explained on engaging in NIL discussions and deals. "But as you continue to work at it and, like, learn more about it, it's kind of fun."

Eli told me he'd be elated to have an NIL deal with a golf course in town.

If we have a course owner reading this, reach out to me and let's help Eli get some more moolah!

Gillman on the thought of transferring

A lot of Griz fans were concerned that Gillman would abscond with the fans' hopes and dreams. Instead of entering the transfer portal, Gillman stayed...

Without question.

"It really only crossed my mind the way people were talking about it," Gillman said on potentially transferring. "But it was never a plan I had in mind, it was never a decision I wanted to make because Missoula has been nothing but great to me and I don't see why I'd leave a place like this."