He's made it there: Naples grad Jonas Duclona featured on Times Square billboard

Alex Martin, Naples Daily News
·2 min read
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Jonas Duclona received a text, pulled up a picture that was sent to him, and took it in for a few minutes.

It was a billboard of him in New York City donning Wisconsin apparel, with the message, "Welcome to the Badger Family."

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The Varsity Collective, the name, image and likeness (NIL) collective working on behalf of Wisconsin student-athletes, secured a 15-minute video block in Times Square Wednesday morning to welcome the 13 transfers and six early enrollees who were part of first-year coach Luke Fickell's 27-player 2023 recruiting class. Duclona signed with Wisconsin in December and is an early enrolee in Madison.

The Naples Daily News was the first to show Duclona the Times Square video board ad. It was located above the Yard House at 575 7th Ave in the heart of Manhattan.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Jonas Duclona is featured on The Varsity Collective Times Square Billboard on February 01, 2023 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Jonas Duclona is featured on The Varsity Collective Times Square Billboard on February 01, 2023 in New York City.

"It's really cool seeing myself and my teammates on such a big platform," Duclona said. "The hard work that I've put in throughout the years is paying off, but this is just the beginning."

Locals won't have to travel to New York to see a larger-than-life image of Duclona. The Varsity Collective is bringing it to Naples by placing him on a billboard at the Coastland Mall on Feb. 6.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Naples defensive back Jonas Duclona, now signed with Wisconsin, was a part of an NIL collective that featured Wisconsin signees in Times Square.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Naples defensive back Jonas Duclona, now signed with Wisconsin, was a part of an NIL collective that featured Wisconsin signees in Times Square.

"Having a billboard in my city means the most to me though," Duclona said. "Because all my people get to see it and them knowing what I've gone through to get here is what makes it really special."

Despite the attention, Duclona knows he can't get complacent. He hopes it won't be the last time he's featured in Times Square during his collegiate career.

"Right now I'm focused on developing my body to withstand a full season in the Big Ten," Duclona said. "My goal is to compete early as a freshman and to get on the field."

Follow Southwest Florida Sports Writer Alex Martin on Twitter: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Wisconsin signee Jonas Duclona featured on billboard in New York's Times Square