NFL player Ja’Marr Chase is stepping into ownership.
Flerish Hydration
Flerish Hydration is a beverage company launched in the fourth quarter of 2024 that provides watermelon-based products supporting performance and recovery. Beverages are packed with electrolytes, real ingredients, and vitamins E, B6, and B12, as well as L-Theanine, Zinc, and Magnesium, as AFROTECH™ previously told you. The company was co-founded by former Division I athlete Avery Johnson Jr. and Nick Nevins, son of Bruce Nevins, who launched Perrier Water in North America.
Flerish Hydration can be purchased on Amazon and TikTok Shop, and has more recently expanded to Kroger.
“What started as a vision to create a better hydration solution for Gen Z and Alpha has quickly turned into a movement,” Johnson said in a post shared on LinkedIn. “When Nicholas N. and I founded Flerish, we wanted to create a hydration product that not only delivered on functionality but also offered incredible taste. We began with familiar flavors like Mixed Berry and Pineapple to resonate with the market, and then introduced Passionfruit, a unique and refreshing flavor that stands out in the hydration space and is quickly becoming a favorite.”
He continued, “Inspired by Nick’s father, Bruce Nevins (who founded Perrier North America and revolutionized the bottled water industry), we are on a mission to do the same for the hydration category, with a fresh perspective.”
Chase Joins Gunna As Co-Owner
Flerish Hydration has been working to scale its impact, as evidenced by moves such as onboarding rapper Gunna as a co-owner of the brand in July 2025. Now, Chase, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has followed suit, joining as a co-owner, Boardroom reports.
“I wanted something clean that I could actually drink … I am here to grow the brand and help bring it to a bigger stage,” Chase said, according to the outlet.
Boardroom notes that as Chase is looking to build a sustainable life in business outside of football, he chose to join Flerish because of his focus on a brand portfolio rooted in equity, not just one-off endorsement deals. Per the outlet, Johnson sees Chase’s involvement benefiting the company by bringing credibility, cultural reach, and an understanding of performance.
