BYU’s Richie Saunders Secures Tater Tot Giveaway Deal

DENVER, Colo. — As the NCAA men’s basketball tournament unfolds, unique ties between sports and food are emerging, particularly involving BYU basketball player Richie Saunders. The junior forward has made headlines not only for his performance on the court but also for his familial connection to Ore-Ida Potatoes, the company behind the beloved Tater Tot.

During a recent game broadcast, an announcer revealed that Saunders is the great-grandson of F. “Nephi” Griggs, one of the founders of Ore-Ida and the person credited with inventing the Tater Tot. This revelation has sparked interest among fans and food lovers alike, propelling Saunders into the spotlight.

To celebrate this unexpected connection, Ore-Ida has entered into a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Saunders. The deal promises that for each game BYU wins in the NCAA tournament, the company will give away free Tater Tots to fans nationwide for a limited time immediately after the game concludes.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Richie, the Tater Tot Heir, for this exciting promotion,” said a spokesperson for Ore-Ida. “Every time BYU wins, the ‘Tot Clock’ will start for 30 minutes, allowing fans to claim their free Tater Tots at the link in our bio.”

By participating, fans can redeem a free Tater Tot product of their choice — up to $8 — available at select retailers across the country. The free Tots offer kicked off after BYU’s victory over VCU on March 20, and fans are eagerly awaiting BYU’s next game against the Wisconsin Badgers. If the Cougars win, the Tot Clock will commence once the final buzzer sounds.

“It’s hilarious,” Saunders said about the attention surrounding his family background. “I don’t know where that came from; it just came out of nowhere. We’ve had a lot of laughs just at home about it, and of course, with lots of Tater Tots.”

This promotion comes at a crucial time for BYU as they compete in the tournament. As awareness of Saunders’ legacy grows, both fans and food enthusiasts are watching to see how far the Cougars can go — and how many free Tater Tots they can claim along the way.

Fans can tune into BYU’s next game scheduled for March 22 at 7:45 p.m. EST. The Cougars will seek to extend their tournament run while engaging fans through this creative partnership with a beloved brand.