Jonathan Taylor’s UWCU Journey
Jonathan Taylor is UW Credit Union’s Brand Ambassador. College sports fans know him as #23, the record-breaking running back for the Wisconsin Badgers who was the first player in history to rush more than 6,000 yards in a three-year span. During his three seasons with the Badgers, Jonathan quickly won recognition for his breakout performance on the field, including two Doak Walker Awards – a prestigious honor awarded to the premier running back in college football – and the Ameche–Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year Award. In early 2020, his dreams of going pro came true when he was drafted to Indianapolis to play in the NFL.
When he’s not on the field, Jonathan focuses on entrepreneurship and giving back to his community. Below, he shares what drew him to UW Credit Union and why he signed on as the first Brand Ambassador in UWCU history.
Teammates in Every Stage of Life
My name is Jonathan Taylor and I’m honored to be UW Credit Union’s first-ever Brand Ambassador.
If you’re wondering why a football player would partner with a financial institution, I’ll tell you: Because I’ve experienced for myself just how much UW Credit Union supports its members in every stage of life.
My journey with UW Credit Union began when I was a freshman at UW-Madison. Like any other freshman, I was beyond excited for this new chapter in my life. I was finally out on my own and eager to prove myself both in the classroom and on the football field.
But I’ll be honest…I felt a little clueless at times, too.
Before coming to campus, I never had a bank account. I didn’t know anything about money (other than how to spend it at the Terrace!) and I didn’t know anything about the financial steps I should be thinking about, like building credit and budgeting. Honestly, I was a little worried I’d walk into a bank and feel judged for my lack of financial history.
Luckily, my college advisor told me about UW Credit Union. At his suggestion, I visited the Monroe Street branch that is conveniently located across the street from Camp Randall. (Shoutout to the Monroe Street team!)
From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in good hands. Everyone I spoke to was friendly and welcoming. They sat me down, walked me through their account options and helped me pick one that was right for me and my needs.
I left that day with an account, a debit card and a boatload of confidence that I made the right decision.
My life has changed a lot since the day I opened my account. With the help of UWCU, I grew stronger financially and opened additional accounts. I learned how to manage my money and make it work for me. So when I was drafted to Indianapolis, I knew UW Credit Union was coming along for the ride.
Signing on as UWCU’s Brand Ambassador was a no-brainer, and not just because of everything they’ve done for me. Giving back is a big part of my DNA, and that’s true for UW Credit Union, too. For example, earlier this year they announced the UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity, a $1.5 million investment in local organizations working to address racial disparities in Wisconsin.
When I heard about that, I was blown away. As someone who tries to lead by example, I’m so proud to partner with an organization that feels the same way.
The bottom line: UW Credit Union was invested in me from the beginning. And they’ll invest in you too.
-Jonathan Taylor
Get to Know Jonathan Taylor
The Beginning
In the first of a three-part series, Jonathan tells us about growing up in small-town New Jersey and the Badger player he looked up to most.
The Journey
When he arrived in Madison as a freshman, Jonathan didn’t know much about finances. Here, he explains how he found his way to UW Credit Union.
Growing Together
Jonathan shares what it means to become UW Credit Union’s Brand Ambassador and why “Here for Every You” is meaningful to him.