Unless you’re in the CFP or your agent (excuse me, “unpaid advisor/family friend”) thinks you could seriously improve your stock, I think it’s crazy for any projected first-rounder to play in a meaningless bowl game. And that x100 for running backs, where you literally have a certain number of snaps you’re going to play in your professional career, and that number is generally quite low.
Maybe it’s not all business-driven if it’s like the Rose Bowl or something where you’ve always dreamed of playing. But, like, risking your professional future for free, so that a bunch of multimillionaires can make millions more selling the Burger Chef You Want Fries with That Bowl? Seriously???
If this is the last time in your life in a uniform, before you have to go out and get a job like everybody else, then enjoy every minute of it, you deserve it. But if you’re a projected first-rounder, you’ve already given a LOT to your team and college and fans. Don’t be dumb.